Signal Fall 2021 Newsletter

8 www.alliancecom.net As in other fields, the potential uses for AR and VR in health care are nearly endless. With a wide variety of apps, doctors and patients can contribute to higher levels of mental and physical health and well-being. Medical Training Students can be taught how to perform medical procedures using instructive visual rep- resentations on AR headsets or glasses. Doctors in training can also use VR simulators of various health issues to gain empathy for their patients. Surgery AR system Magic Loupe, created by InnerOptic Technology, gives doctors and their colleagues detailed visuals of a patient’s internal organs while simultaneously allowing them to see the physical patient. This technology enables safer, less invasive options for surgeries. Pain Management Chronic pain affects a significant portion of the population and VR pain management applications can help them control it without the need for potentially addictive drugs. These applications train patients to focus on experiences beyond the pain, using a cog- nitive behavioral therapy approach. Mental Health Spending time in VR environments can have therapeutic effects for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as paranoia, phobias, social anxiety, and other mental health issues. For example, clients can become accustomed to being in crowds in a train setting that gradually adds more people on the train. Well-Being Do you love meditation apps or podcasts? Imagine taking them to the next level with visuals and the ability to place yourself in a serene environment such as a tranquil garden or beautiful forest or beach. Guided Meditation VR, available for a variety of VR devices, is a VR relaxation app that enables you to recharge in exotic locations. VR Helps Seniors With Travel, Housing, and More Many seniors would like to travel but are unable to do so due to financial or physical limitations. Some want to connect with others more but don’t have friends or family around. And others have challenges with mental abilities such as memory but don’t have resources to improve it. VR can help with all of these issues. At White Sands La Jolla, a senior living facility, the staff recently introduced VR technology to residents. They’ve used it to visit places like the Great Wall of China, return to places they remember from childhood, and experience out- door adventures—all without having to physically go anywhere. The technology can even be used to recreate places individual seniors would like to visit, such as a favorite vacation spot. Another use is to take seniors on “virtual tours” of new housing before they visit or go to live there in person. Virtual Health Care Improves Real World Outcomes QUICK TIP: The app for Gatwick Airport in London includes an AR component to help you find your gate.