Bridging the Patient Education Gap with Augmented and Virtual Reality

By Felix Cottrell , Medical Writer (Level 3)

Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) are fast becoming invaluable tools for patient education. The technology can help visualise complex medical concepts, bring people together in a virtual environment, and digitally unlock new information on demand. In this article, we explore some of the exciting applications of AR and VR, consider how we can weave these tools into healthcare campaigns, and suggest how we can overcome any barriers as these tools are rolled out.?

Patient education is crucial for informed decision-making, fostering treatment adherence, and improving health outcomes. Informed patients are empowered to manage their health effectively, leading to better overall well-being and healthcare system efficiency.??

However, as scientific understanding becomes more sophisticated and treatments more complex, educating patients has become a significant challenge. As communicators, we need to continue to innovate our approach to keep pace with industry innovation.?

One of the most effective ways to learn is through experience and active engagement. AR and VR can offer patients both these things, creating an interactive and visually engaging digital environment that can be accessed on demand. Patients can learn about their medical journey in a new, exciting way and be given a source of reassurance. This is particularly important in moments of heightened anxiety during their healthcare journey.?

AR works by overlaying digital information or virtual elements onto the real-world environment to create an interactive experience, often through smartphones or AR glasses. VR takes this a step further by immersing users in a three-dimensional, totally artificial environment. Users can explore and interact with this environment through specialised devices such as VR headsets.?

In this article, we’ll look at three ways that this technology can be used to bridge the gap in patient education, providing a few potential examples for each. We’ll then examine barriers to the wider integration of AR and VR before suggesting how we, as healthcare communicators, can work to overcome them.?

Visualising the Complex?

A unique feature of AR and VR is three-dimensional visualisation. In the context of medical education, this can be used as a powerful tool in conveying complex medical concepts and processes. Patients can explore these virtual 3D models at their own pace and elements such as narration and animation can provide further details.?

For example, the technology could provide immersive experiences for patients to explore and understand complex anatomical structures. Virtual models can be generated to showcase different organs, systems, and diseases. The concept is already being applied by educational institutions to teach medical students about anatomy and physiology.?

The same models can be used to illustrate the progression of diseases within the body. For instance, patients can use AR to witness how cancer cells multiply and spread or understand how a specific condition affects different organs over time. This visual representation simplifies the complexity of their medical situation and underscores the importance of specific interventions.?

Another example is surgical simulations. Facilitated by VR, clinicians can offer realistic depictions of surgical procedures. This is especially beneficial for patients preparing for surgery, as it demystifies the process and provides a step-by-step understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.?

A potential barrier to these 3D models is their immersive visuals and audio could be too intense for some patients. Those sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, or motion may find these technologies overwhelming and experience sensory overload.?

To address this issue, guidance from a trained HCP during the initial use of AR/VR tools can help patients feel more comfortable and supported. As communicators, we can then provide HCPs with the resources and directions to deliver relevant tutorials. At the same time, we can create patient guides to help them navigate the interface and understand how to control the sensory aspects of the experience, ensuring a more accessible and user-friendly healthcare education tool.?

HCP training materials should stress the need for a gradual introduction to the technology, starting with simpler and less intense scenarios before progressing to more complex ones. This will help the patient acclimate to the sensory aspects without feeling overwhelmed.?

Patient guides should offer instructions for user-adjustable features within the AR or VR application settings, such as brightness, contrast, and volume controls, to offer a personalized experience.?

Supporting Patients Across the Metaverse?

Another great way for patients to learn is from each other. The immersive and digital features of VR technology hold immense potential for connecting patients across the world to support one another.??

One example is the creation of virtual patient support groups. Individuals with similar medical conditions can convene in a shared virtual space. Patients can exchange experiences, coping strategies and insights to foster a sense of community. This could be particularly useful for patients suffering from rare diseases or those who are unable to travel.?

The same principle can also be applied to talking therapy sessions. VR can provide an immersive, personalised approach to mental health support. Group sessions could transport patients to a calming virtual space that promotes relaxation and stress reduction, all from the comfort of their own homes. Companies, like Tend VR, are already conducting Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) courses using this technology. The company has conducted thorough clinical testing to demonstrate the tool’s ability to reduce stress, anxiety, low mood, and burnout.?

In the realm of physical therapy, VR can deliver step-by-step instructions in a shared digital environment. These sessions, guided by an instructor, can provide patients with real-time feedback on movements, the opportunity to learn from other patients, and digitally monitored progress tracking. This not only ensures that patients perform exercises correctly but also serves as a motivational tool, encouraging adherence to rehabilitation programs.??

However, wider adoption of these technologies threatens to exclude those not familiar with or comfortable using technology. Navigating through AR and VR applications may pose significant challenges for older individuals or those with limited digital literacy, leading to frustration and confusion.?

One solution we could help implement is the creation of user-friendly interfaces, minimizing the steps required to access educational content and ensuring that essential features are readily apparent. Testing with user groups of varying digital literacy levels can provide valuable feedback for refining the application's design.?

Additionally, we can provide accessible help resources within the application, such as FAQs, video tutorials, or help centre call scripts. This could allow patients to seek assistance and troubleshoot issues independently. Providing resources across several channels means support can be accessible to all. Telephone and email support are particularly helpful for those with lower digital literacy levels.?

Unlocking Real-Time Information?

A key advantage that AR has over VR is that it can be more easily accessible. By fusing AR with smartphone technology, patients can access valuable information in real-time through object scanning.??

One application could be in drug packaging, where AR serves as a tool to enhance patients' understanding of prescribed medications. By scanning a QR code on the drug packaging, patients can unlock a wealth of information, including instructional videos and infographics detailing correct drug administration, dosing regimens, and potential side effects. This visually appealing and easily accessible resource has the potential to address patient anxiety and significantly improve drug adherence.?

More sophisticated AR tools can be employed to access nutritional information about various foods through smartphone scans. This includes ingredient lists and allergy information, catering to those with specific dietary restrictions, as well as individuals aiming to improve their overall health and well-being through informed dietary choices. Researchers studying the potential of a mobile AR app able to scan packaged foods found it to be effective in helping users interpret and understand nutritional information.?

However, even AR smartphone applications may prove a challenge for the capabilities of large health services like the NHS, which can be inflexible and slow to adapt to technological change.?

The NHS faces financial constraints that limit its ability to invest in cutting-edge AR and VR technologies. Additionally, as a large organisation, it may be resistant to the rapid changes necessary to obtain the technological infrastructure and modern computing equipment required for AR and VR tools.??

To be adopted, HCPs and other NHS staff need to understand the benefits this technology can bring to their patients. We can conduct targeted communication campaigns to effectively engage all relevant stakeholders and hammer home the transformative potential of these technologies.?

Once AR and VR technologies have started to be adopted, collaboration between different NHS trusts and departments. We can help conduct regular forums, workshops, or conferences to facilitate knowledge sharing, allowing stakeholders to exchange success stories, best practices, and lessons learned in implementing AR and VR technologies. By focusing on effective communication and engagement, the NHS can create a supportive environment to embrace the transformative potential of AR and VR in patient education.?

In Conclusion?

At WE Communications, we’re incredibly excited about the potential applications of AR and VR technologies to the patient education space. As an agency that sits at the intersection of technology and healthcare, we are well-placed to support our clients in building AR and VR in their patient education programmes. We believe in the transformative power of technology to encourage treatment adherence, positive lifestyle change, and, ultimately, generate better health outcomes across the globe.?