Immersive Virtual And Augmented Reality In Healthcare

The book acts as a guide, taking the reader into the smart system domain and providing theoretical and practical knowledge along with case studies in smart healthcare. The book uses a blend of interdisciplinary approaches such as IoT, blockchain, augmented reality, and virtual reality for the implementation of cost-effective, real-time, and user-friendly solutions for healthcare problems. Immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality in Healthcare: An IoT and Blockchain Perspective presents the trends, best practices, techniques, developments, sensors, materials, and case studies that are using augmented and virtual reality environments with the state-of-the-art latest technologies like IoT, blockchain, and machine learning in the implementation of healthcare systems. The book focuses on the design and implementation of smart healthcare systems with major challenges to further explore more robust and efficient healthcare solutions in terms of low cost, faster algorithms, more sensitive IoT sensors, faster data communication, and real-time solutions for treatment. It discusses the use of virtual and augmented reality and how it can provide user-friendly and interactive communication within healthcare systems. Illustrated through case studies, the book conveys how different hospitals and healthcare equipment providers can adopt good practices found in the book to improve the performance/productivity of their staff and system. The content is rounded out by providing how IoT, blockchain, and artificial intelligence can provide the framework for designing and/or upgrading traditional healthcare systems by increasing security and data privacy. A valuable resource for engineers working with systems, the healthcare professionals involved in the design and development of healthcare devices and systems, researcher scholars, multidisciplinary scientists, students, and academics who are wishing to explore the use of virtual and augmented reality in new and existing healthcare systems.

Within the last few years, devices that are increasingly capable of offering an immersive experience close to reality have emerged. As devices decrease in size, the interest and application possibilities for them increase. In the healthcare sector, there is an enormous potential for virtual reality development, as this technology allows, on the one hand, the execution of operations or processes at a distance, decoupling realities; and on the other hand, it offers the possibility of simulation for training purposes, whenever there are contexts of risk to the patient or to the health professional. However, virtual reality devices and immersion in virtual environments still requires some improvement as complaints such as headaches and nausea are still common among users, and so continuous research and development is critical to progress the technology. Emerging Advancements for Virtual and Augmented Reality in Healthcare synthesizes the trends, best practices, methodologies, languages, and tools used to implement virtual reality and create a positive user experience while also discussing how to implement virtual reality into day-to-day work with a focus on healthcare professionals and related areas. The application possibilities and their impact are transversal to all areas of health and fields such as education, training, surgery, pain management, physical rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, phobia therapy, and telemedicine. Covering topics such as mental health treatment and virtual simulations, it is ideal for medical professionals, engineers, computer scientists, researchers, practitioners, managers, academicians, teachers, and students.

The convergence of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) has transcended the boundaries of gaming and entertainment, emerging as tools in healthcare and wellbeing. At the heart of recent research-driven exploration lies the recognition of a critical gap in healthcare education. However, amid the promising potential of AR and VR, a need for more comprehensive research has thus far limited the capacity of these technologies to optimize physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Through the ingenious use of AR, Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality for Health and Wellbeing spotlights the fusion of virtual learning experiences with tangible real-world scenarios, addressing the educational challenges that have long hindered the development of effective healthcare competencies. This book embarks on an academic journey into this transformative landscape, delving into the intricate tapestry of AR and VR technologies and their applications. It unfurls an inclusive discourse encompassing accessibility considerations, the integration of artificial intelligence within AR/VR paradigms, cross-disciplinary applications, and tangible real-world use cases that underscore the transformational impact of these technologies. As a compendium of solutions to real-world challenges, the book channels the collective wisdom of researchers, offering an invaluable reference guide to professionals at the vanguard of AR/VR innovation. Distinguished voices from academia, industry, and gaming converge within the pages, catering to an eclectic audience, including research scholars, educators, industry practitioners, and gaming enthusiasts.

Medical and technological organizations have recently developed therapy and assistance solutions that venture beyond what is considered conventional for individuals with various mental health conditions and behavioral disorders such as autism, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorders, phobias, and learning difficulties. Through the use of virtual and augmented reality, researchers are working to provide alternative therapy methods to treat these conditions, while studying the long-term effects the treatment has on patients. Virtual and Augmented Reality in Mental Health Treatment provides innovative insights into the use and durability of virtual reality as a treatment for various behavioral and emotional disorders and health problems. The content within this publication represents the work of e-learning, digital psychology, and quality of care. It is designed for psychologists, psychiatrists, professionals, medical staff, educators, and researchers, and covers topics centered on medical and therapeutic applications of artificial intelligence and simulated environment.

There is a tremendous interest among researchers for the development of virtual, augmented reality and games technologies due to their widespread applications in medicine and healthcare. To date the major applications of these technologies include medical simulation, telemedicine, medical and healthcare training, pain control, visualisation aid for surgery, rehabilitation in cases such as stroke, phobia and trauma therapies. Many recent studies have identified the benefits of using Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality or serious games in a variety of medical applications. This research volume on Virtual, Augmented Reality and Serious Games for Healthcare 1 offers an insightful introduction to the theories, development and applications of virtual, augmented reality and digital games technologies in medical and clinical settings and healthcare in general. It is divided into six sections: section one presents a selection of applications in medical education and healthcare management; Section two relates to the nursing training, health literacy and healthy behaviour; Section three presents the applications of Virtual Reality in neuropsychology; Section four includes a number of applications in motor rehabilitation; Section five aimed at therapeutic games for various diseases; and the final section presents the applications of Virtual Reality in healing and restoration. This book is directed to the healthcare professionals, scientists, researchers, professors and the students who wish to explore the applications of virtual, augmented reality and serious games in healthcare further.

Virtual reality (VR) provides immersive stereoscopic visualization of virtual environments, and the visualization effect and computer graphics are critical to enhancing the engagement of participants and achieving optimal education and training effectiveness. Constructing realistic 3D models and scenarios for a specific application of VR simulation is no easy task. There are many different tools for 3D modeling. However, many of the modeling tools are used for manufacturing and product design applications and have advanced features and functions which may not be applicable to different levels of users and various specializations. Cases on Virtual Reality Modeling in Healthcare introduces the use of Blender for VR 3D modeling, demonstrates healthcare applications, and examines potential uses in modeling, dressing, and animation in healthcare. Covering a range of topics such as cross reality, rehabilitation games, and augmented reality, this book is ideal for engineers, industry professionals, practitioners, researchers, academicians, instructors, and students.

Due to the growing prevalence of artificial intelligence technologies, schools, museums, and art galleries will need to change traditional ways of working and conventional thought processes to fully embrace their potential. Integrating virtual and augmented reality technologies and wearable devices into these fields can promote higher engagement in an increasingly digital world. Virtual and Augmented Reality in Education, Art, and Museums is an essential research book that explores the strategic role and use of virtual and augmented reality in shaping visitor experiences at art galleries and museums and their ability to enhance education. Highlighting a range of topics such as online learning, digital heritage, and gaming, this book is ideal for museum directors, tour developers, educational software designers, 3D artists, designers, curators, preservationists, conservationists, education coordinators, academicians, researchers, and students.