HealthManagement, Volume 24/25 - Issue 6, 2025
VR and AR are transforming healthcare by enhancing medical training, patient care and public health. These technologies improve surgical precision, pain management and mental health therapy through immersive, tailored experiences. They also expand access to remote care and innovative training. While challenges like cost, privacy and adoption barriers persist, haptic feedback and AI advancements promise greater realism and accessibility, paving the way for a more inclusive healthcare future.
Key Points
- VR and AR enhance medical training with risk-free, realistic simulations for improved skills.
- Immersive technologies aid pain management and reduce opioid reliance with tailored therapies.
- Mental health treatment benefits from VR-based controlled exposure and real-time customisation.
- AR improves surgical precision by overlaying real-time data and imaging in the surgeon's view.
- Challenges include cost, privacy and access; AI and haptic advances promise broader adoption.
Introduction: The Evolving Landscape of Immersive Technologies
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are not merely futuristic gimmicks; they have moved beyond gaming and entertainment to become powerful tools in healthcare. These immersive platforms foster innovation in medical training, patient care and clinical research. At their core, VR and AR offer an “experience-first” approach: instead of learning or healing through static texts or passive observation, individuals can engage with fully or partially simulated environments that elicit a deeper level of cognitive and emotional involvement.
For healthcare professionals, VR and AR promise to address some of the industry’s long-standing challenges. Medical errors, for instance, often stem from incomplete information or limited exposure to certain clinical scenarios. By simulating a wide variety of experiences—from rare surgical procedures to common but tricky diagnoses, VR and AR can sharpen clinical acumen without risking patient safety. Patients, on the other hand, benefit from immersive therapies that reduce pain, alleviate anxiety or facilitate rehabilitation through interactive exercises.
The Current Applications of VR and AR in Healthcare
Pain Management
Pain is not just a physical sensation but is intrinsically tied to psychological and emotional factors. VR systems harness the “attentional shift” concept to reduce patients’ pain perception. A well-known example is the “Snow World” VR game developed at the University of Washington for burn patients. Users engage in a snowy landscape in this environment, throwing virtual snowballs at penguins and snowmen. Research has shown that such immersive play distracts burn patients from the intense pain of wound care, resulting in lower reported pain levels and reduced reliance on opioid analgesics.
Clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of VR in pain management. A study published in Pain (Hoffman et al. 2011) indicated that burn patients undergoing wound dressing changes while using VR reported up to a 50% reduction in pain intensity compared to those receiving standard care. Another research in JMIR Mental Health (Li et al. 2021) highlighted VR's broader potential, showing its ability to alleviate chronic pain in conditions like fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome. This underscores VR’s versatility as a complementary tool for pain management.
Mental Health Treatment
Traditional psychotherapy can be effective for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias and generalised anxiety, but often relies on imagination or verbal descriptions. VR revolutionises this approach by enabling controlled, graded exposure therapy in a digitally simulated environment. For instance, the "Bravemind" system, developed at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, helps veterans with PTSD by immersing them in virtual war-zone scenarios. In order to help patients gradually reprocess traumatic memories in a safe setting, therapists can adjust specific triggers, such as sounds and visuals. Similarly, phobias like fear of flying or heights can be addressed through carefully designed scenarios, allowing patients to confront their fears incrementally while receiving real-time therapeutic support.
VR environments can be customised to address each patient’s specific triggers, enabling more precise therapy. During sessions, physiological measurements such as heart rate and skin conductance can be monitored, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustments to the treatment. Additionally, at-home VR setups provide an alternative for patients who face challenges travelling to specialised therapy centres. However, this emerging area requires careful supervision and the implementation of robust data security protocols.
Medical Training and Education
Medical education faces the challenge of providing realistic, risk-free settings for students and residents to practice. Cadavers, while invaluable, do not simulate living tissues or dynamic physiology. VR can fill this gap through interactive, high-fidelity simulations. Surgical trainees can rehearse procedures multiple times—whether it’s a standard laparoscopic appendectomy or a complex neurosurgical approach—without putting patients at risk.
On the other hand, AR can overlay 3D models of organs or vascular structures onto a patient’s body or a mannequin, allowing learners to “see” beneath the skin. This feature can be especially beneficial for ultrasound training, where AR guidance can highlight organ boundaries and assist novices in interpreting ultrasound images more accurately. It is also invaluable for practising emergency procedures like intubation, central line placement or trauma resuscitation protocols. As a result, it accelerates skill acquisition and reduces errors during novices’ transition to real-world care.
Platforms like Osso VR and ImmersiveTouch exemplify how immersive technologies enhance medical training. Osso VR provides gamified, interactive modules for surgical trainees, allowing them to practice orthopaedic procedures and bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. ImmersiveTouch, a VR-based system, focuses on craniomaxillofacial and neurosurgery training, providing tactile feedback for a more realistic feel.
Surgical Assistance
High-stakes surgeries—such as neurosurgery, cardiac surgery or transplant operations—depend on pinpoint accuracy and a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s anatomy. AR can project CT or MRI data onto a surgeon’s field of view in real time, highlighting critical structures like tumours, blood vessels or nerves. Instead of consulting separate screens or memorising 2D images, surgeons have contextual information overlaid directly in their line of sight.
AR enhances operative precision by providing instant visual feedback, allowing surgeons to spend less time correlating imaging findings and potentially reducing overall operating room (OR) usage and anaesthesia time. It also helps minimise complications by visualising hidden structures, reducing the risk of accidental incisions into critical tissues. In neurosurgery, for instance, AR can highlight functional areas such as speech or motor cortex, helping to prevent post-operative deficits.
Patient Rehabilitation and Assessment
Traditional rehab often involves repetitive tasks that can be monotonous, leading to lower patient adherence. VR-based rehabilitation tools transform these exercises into interactive, game-like experiences. Stroke patients might practice picking up virtual objects that simulate everyday tasks (e.g., grasping a coffee mug) and receiving immediate feedback on accuracy and speed. This real-time feedback loop keeps patients motivated and engaged, ultimately improving outcomes.
The digital nature of VR and AR enables clinicians to quantitatively track motion metrics—like range of motion, balance and reaction times. By analysing these data points, therapists can personalise exercise regimens, focusing on areas of greatest need. This evidence-based approach fosters more targeted and efficient therapy programmes.
Benefits and Limitations of VR and AR in Healthcare
Benefits of VR & AR
Improved clinical outcomes are achieved through enhanced precision and faster recovery. Surgeons equipped with AR overlays can make more informed incisions, reducing the margin of error. At the same time, VR-assisted rehab exercises improve compliance and speed the return to normal function.
Innovative training environments: high-fidelity simulations allow repeated practice in a zero-risk environment. VR platforms also facilitate remote collaboration, connecting trainees and experts globally to democratise access to specialised skill sets.
Reduced reliance on opioids: by providing effective pain distraction techniques, VR diverts patient’s attention from pain and potentially curtails the use of prescription opioids, thereby minimising the associated risk of addiction.
Increased accessibility is provided by telemedicine. Telehealth systems powered by AR provide remote clinics with real-time guidance from specialists, extending advanced care to underserved areas. Similarly, home-based VR programmes deliver mental health and rehabilitation therapies through consumer-grade headsets, expanding patient reach.
Personalised patient experience is made possible with customisable environments, where tailored VR modules or AR overlays address specific conditions, improving patients’ engagement and satisfaction.
Limitations of VR & AR
High costs of headsets, specialised software and supporting infrastructure can be prohibitive for smaller practices. Additionally, rapid technological advancements result in frequent maintenance and upgrades, making hardware and software quickly outdated.
Technical constraints: issues like latency and low-resolution imaging can lead to cybersickness and reduce the accuracy required for surgical or therapeutic applications. Furthermore, high-speed internet is often essential for smooth operation, limiting the feasibility of VR and AR in rural areas with poor connectivity.
Ethical and privacy concerns: immersive systems may collect sensitive physiological metrics, raising concerns about their potential breaches. Patients must also be fully aware of what data is collected and how it will be used, ensuring proper consent.
Regulatory hurdles: current healthcare regulations, such as those set by the FDA, lack clear guidelines for immersive medical devices. This, coupled with lengthy clinical trials and certification processes, can delay the adoption of innovative solutions.
User resistance and learning curve also hinder broader acceptance. Some healthcare providers are cautious or sceptical of new technologies that lack robust evidence, while frontline staff need formal instruction to operate VR/AR systems effectively and safely.
The Future of VR and AR in Healthcare
Enhanced Realism and Haptic Feedback
Haptic technology replicates the sense of touch through force feedback, vibration or even temperature simulations. Surgical trainees can feel the difference between healthy versus diseased tissue in a virtual environment, a leap forward in realism compared to purely visual simulations. As haptic suits and gloves mature, rehab programmes could become even more immersive, helping patients with sensory deficits relearn how various textures and resistances feel.
Future VR platforms may integrate machine learning (ML) algorithms to simulate soft-tissue movement in real-time, enabling users to watch how organs shift as they “move” the virtual patient. This can dramatically improve the fidelity of practice scenarios for procedures like laparoscopic cholecystectomy or partial nephrectomy, where manipulation of surrounding tissues is critical.
Deeper AI Integration
AI-enhanced VR platforms could monitor physiological data such as heart rate variability, eye tracking and muscle tension during sessions. Machine learning models would detect signs of stress or fatigue, automatically adjusting the difficulty or pacing of tasks. For instance, a stroke patient practising VR-based motor exercises might receive simpler tasks when fatigued, ensuring continuous but not overwhelming challenges.
Combining AI with AR in the operating room opens new dimensions for precision medicine. As surgeons visualise a patient’s anatomy, AI algorithms could highlight suspicious tissue or inform them of potential complications based on preloaded patient data—surgical history, genomic insights or lab values. This integration may significantly reduce misdiagnoses and improve patient outcomes.
Wearable AR Devices
The next wave of wearable devices—such as Apple’s evolving Vision Pro platform or Meta’s Orion AR glasses—seeks to reduce the bulk and visual obstruction associated with older headsets. The goal is to make AR as natural as wearing a pair of eyeglasses while seamlessly delivering real-time overlays of patient data, drug interactions or surgical checklists.
For patients with conditions like diabetes or heart failure, AR glasses could display relevant health metrics (e.g., blood glucose levels, ECG readings) in their peripheral vision, nudging them to stay on top of their care. Over time, these unobtrusive notifications could improve adherence to treatment plans, preventing complications and hospital readmissions.
Expanded Use Cases
Telemedicine 2.0. Current telemedicine solutions rely heavily on 2D video calls. AR can add an extra dimension—allowing remote specialists to annotate live video feeds, highlight a patient’s anatomy or guide a local practitioner’s hand movements. This transforms teleconsultations into interactive, hands-on experiences, ideal for rural or conflict-zone medical support.
Preventive Public Health. Immersive simulations could be harnessed to teach communities about infectious disease spread, vaccination benefits or dietary recommendations. Students might “walk through” a simulated virus transmission scenario in a classroom, providing a visceral understanding that fosters better compliance with public health guidelines.
Economies of Scale
As VR/AR hardware and software become mainstream, production costs should drop, making the technology more accessible. We may see philanthropic organisations or public-private partnerships subsidise devices for low-resource settings, bringing advanced telerehabilitation and training tools to clinics lacking specialised personnel.
Wider adoption of immersive technologies often depends on insurance companies recognising their therapeutic value. Successful pilot studies and positive clinical trial results may lead to more reimbursement options, encouraging healthcare facilities to invest in VR/AR solutions without worrying excessively about financial sustainability.
Ethical and Social Considerations
Data Privacy and Security
VR/AR platforms can collect data from eye-tracking to biometric sensors measuring skin conductance. This trove of information is potentially vulnerable to hacks or unauthorised usage. Therefore, healthcare providers must employ robust encryption standards, secure cloud storage and regular audits to ensure compliance with HIPAA, GDPR and other region-specific mandates.
Moreover, patients should be fully aware of the nature of data collection: what is being recorded, why and for how long. Transparent communication helps build trust. Clear disclaimers and consent forms—explaining the potential risks and the protections in place—are essential for ethically deploying these technologies.
Equity of Access
High-end VR/AR setups remain cost-intensive, and rural or underfunded healthcare systems often lag behind well-resourced urban centres. If not addressed, this gap could exacerbate existing health disparities. Policymakers, non-profits and industry stakeholders can collaborate on pilot programmes or grants that help resource-limited areas benefit from immersive solutions.
Just as cultural competence in healthcare is crucial, VR/AR platforms should reflect diverse patient populations, considering skin tones, body types and cultural contexts. Realism and relevance in virtual environments can significantly influence therapy outcomes for mental health treatments.
Human Interaction, Empathy and Psychological Impact
Healthcare is inherently human-centric. While immersive technologies can enhance diagnosis, surgical precision and therapy outcomes, they should complement face-to-face interactions, not substitute them. The empathetic bond between patients and providers remains crucial for healing.
While VR can be profoundly therapeutic, some individuals (e.g., those with psychotic disorders) may experience heightened confusion or distress in immersive environments. Clinicians must balance benefits and risks while screening patients for suitability and continuously monitor their psychological well-being.
Potential Overuse
Like any digital technology, VR can be addictive if misused. Patients or users who turn to VR for escapism might neglect face-to-face social interactions or real-world responsibilities. Setting session limits and ensuring clinical oversight where needed can mitigate these risks.
At the same time, over-reliance on AR overlays or AI suggestions might erode clinicians’ ability to make independent judgments. Balancing digital tools with the continuous cultivation of clinical reasoning skills is vital to preserving the art of medicine.
From Headsets to Glasses: The Ongoing Evolution
Form Factor Revolution
One major barrier to mainstream VR/AR adoption has been the cumbersome design of first-generation headsets. The industry is moving toward more compact and ergonomic “smart glasses” that blend into daily routines. Meta’s Orion AR glasses and anticipated successors to Apple Vision Pro exemplify this trend, offering portability, comfort and intuitive controls.
This evolution makes possible everyday medical applications of VR and AR technologies. Physicians could discreetly consult patient data in outpatient settings through AR glasses without stepping away from the bedside. Radiologists might overlay MRI or CT scan slices onto a real anatomical model, offering quick cross-referencing. Physical therapists could wear AR glasses to track patients’ form during exercises, providing instant corrections.
Integration with Health Ecosystems
Future AR devices may integrate directly with EHR platforms, automatically pulling vital data and updating treatment notes through voice commands or gestures. This seamless flow of information can reduce administrative burdens and free up more time for patient care.
Smartwatches, fitness trackers and blood glucose sensors generate continuous data streams. AR glasses could show real-time vitals—pulse, oxygen saturation or blood sugar—making it easier for patients and clinicians to spot deviations and intervene early.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
Democratising Access
Immersive technology can revolutionise remote healthcare. Imagine a scenario where a rural clinic lacking a surgical specialist is supported by an AR-equipped surgeon in a metropolitan hospital—real-time step-by-step instructions could save lives. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies may invest in placing VR/AR units in remote outposts to bolster telehealth and training services.
Public-private partnerships may accelerate the adoption of VR/AR across lower-income regions. Grants could help supply hardware while local universities or hospitals train staff. Coupling these efforts with robust internet infrastructure and data security measures is essential for sustainability.
Advancing Research
While numerous pilot studies suggest significant benefits, VR/AR must undergo large-scale randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to gather strong evidence on efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness. Research should cover diverse populations and conditions, from paediatric to geriatric use cases.
Continual data collection from VR/AR interventions can feed into algorithmic refinements. Over time, artificial intelligence could identify the most effective parameters for certain procedures or therapies, iteratively improving outcomes.
Transforming Public Health and Education
Communities could “step inside” a VR simulation of viral transmission, seeing first-hand how infections spread when social distancing or hygiene measures lapse. This experiential learning can motivate more robust compliance with public health guidelines.
AR and VR modules can educate children about health topics, such as nutrition or mental well-being, in engaging and memorable ways. Early familiarity with immersive tech might also reduce future resistance to such tools in clinical settings.
Personalising Preventive Care
Smart AR glasses might display gentle prompts to take a break from the screen, drink water or stand up for a stretch if they detect prolonged sedentary behaviour. These mini “nudges” encourage healthier habits before problems escalate.
As precision medicine incorporates genetic risk factors, AR/VR experiences might show how certain lifestyle modifications could mitigate inherited risks. Personalised simulations could illustrate, for example, how an individual’s lung function improves with smoking cessation based on their specific genetic predispositions.
Conclusion: Charting a New Course for Healthcare
VR and AR are reshaping the contours of modern healthcare—offering immersive solutions that elevate patient care, refine medical training and push the boundaries of what is achievable in public health and rehabilitation. From immersive pain distraction therapies and advanced surgical guidance to AI-powered personalised care, these technologies represent a monumental shift toward experience-driven medicine.
However, their implementation is not without challenges. High costs, lack of standardisation, data security issues and potential for user overreliance or misuse remain real concerns. The key to realising the full potential of VR and AR lies in a multi-stakeholder approach: clinicians must champion quality-of-care improvements, tech developers must create user-friendly and secure platforms, regulators must craft informed but flexible guidelines and policymakers must ensure equitable distribution of these cutting-edge tools.
Ultimately, the goal is not to replace human interaction but to augment it—enabling healthcare providers to deliver more empathetic, accurate and personalised care. As headsets evolve into lightweight glasses and AI algorithms grow smarter, the line between virtual and physical care will blur, ushering in an era where medical interventions are more proactive, immersive and inclusive.
The promise is significant: a future where the burdens of geography, cost or even certain physical limitations no longer restrict access to high-quality healthcare. If thoughtfully developed and equitably deployed, VR and AR technologies can help build a more efficient, patient-centred system where healing is both a scientific endeavour and a deeply human experience.
Conflict of Interest
None
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