Virtual Reality & Simulation in Healthcare Summit 2019

Virtual Reality in healthcare has now been used to relieve pain, in surgical practice, for physical therapy, to reduce fear, anxiety and phobia and for cognitive rehabilitation. When combined with simulation Virtual Reality is increasingly being used for training and education; immersing clinicians in a realistic simulation of a procedure and practising the steps and techniques is now being seen as an effective and relatively low cost way of improving skills and educating clinicians.

This Virtual Reality and Simulation Summit focuses on the practical application of these techniques in everyday clinical practice, this is not a futuristic theory based event but includes practical case studies of how this technology is being used today to improve practice.

“Simulation tools, such as augmented reality and virtual reality platforms, are already used by some surgeons to train and rehearse surgical procedures. The use of these technologies can improve surgical training and outcomes, while standardising procedures and democratising access to training.” 

 - The Commission on the Future of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons December 2018

“Advances in imaging and simulation, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are already being used to complement surgical training and planning… AR and VR technology platforms will enable multidisciplinary teams to connect and specialist surgeons to support complex procedures remotely”

 - The Commission on the Future of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons December 2018

“VR will become a standardised aspect of surgical training, with training centres and teaching hospitals needing to invest in VR suites.” The Commission on the Future of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons December 2018

“Simulation training through digital platforms and technologies such as AR and VR can accelerate and enhance training, and augment experience in the operating theatre.” 

 - The Commission on the Future of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons December 2018

“Virtual reality is much more than just a new form of entertainment, it is increasingly being used in a wide range of medical applications, from treatments to training.” 

 - The Independent

“Innovative technology has the potential to truly transform healthcare for patients and staff. From artificial intelligence to VR to live tracking of hospital beds and equipment, there are so many ways in which the NHS is embracing tech. We are determined to make the NHS the most technologically advanced healthcare system in the world and today’s prizes will help progress towards that goal” 

 - Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State of Health and Social Care, 29 Sept 2018

Programme is available here!

Registration is available here!