In healthcare, immersive technology has a number of benefits. Many of these have been demonstrated in a number of ways, whether that is through distracting from pain, or helping to train new doctors. One of the most promising is how virtual reality (VR) can assist in surgery. This technology is being introduced to the Children’s National Health System in Washington D.C.
Children’s National is a paediatric health system based in Washington D.C. which has helped treat children since 1870. The hospital has acquired to new VR technology thanks to a gift from Sidney and Phyllis Bresler, in honour of their children and grandchildren.
The new VR system allows for the integration of patient-specific surgical planning and navigation with professional education and VR-powered patient engagement. The hospital believe that this advanced technology will improve outcomes for children being treated at the hospital.
“Virtual reality modeling is the logical step beyond 3D printing, enabling us to further explore, analyze and find the best approach for each unique surgical procedure,” said Children’s National President and CEO Kurt Newman, M.D. “This generous gift from Sidney & Phyllis Bresler should translate into better outcomes for many of the more than 17,500 patients who receive surgery at our hospital each year, and will benefit generations to come. We are deeply grateful for the Breslers’ commitment to pediatric innovation.”
“Phyllis and I understand and appreciate the important role Children’s National Medical Center plays in serving the needs of all children,” said Sidney Bresler. “It is critical that the doctors and staff responsible for the well-being of these children have access to the latest technology to ensure the highest quality of care. This is our way of thanking the extraordinary staff of Children’s National.”
As VR technology develops and becomes more widespread, it is quite likely that more hospitals will begin using the technology to improve patients outcomes and assist in patient education. For the latest coverage on healthcare in VR, keep checking back with VRFocus.