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Need of redesigning digital using Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in rural area - Google Docs.pdf
- 1. Need to design digital clinic using Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in the rural area Author name - Shreya Singh Corresponding authors-M. Yadav; A. Kalam DIT University, Mussoorie, Diversion Road, Makka Wala, Uttarakhand, India. mahima.yadav@dituniversity.edu.in , abdul.kalam@dituniversity.edu.in Abstracts With the rise of digital technologies, Indian healthcare settings are drawing into ‘Digital Health Clinics’. The chances of using digital technology in healthcare have improved most recently. India has progressed in improving its general health situation. According to World Bank data, 64% of the population lives in rural regions of India. According to the Indian Journal of Public Health, India had just 4.8 practicing doctors per 10,000 population, and in villages, the ratio is the lowest possible. Building a firm foundation in digital health today is a requirement to enjoy the benefits of future growth. Technology in health is changing rapidly. Some of the current developments in technology that are applied to digital healthcare include AI, telemedicine, and blockchain technology. The emergence of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies has revolutionized various sectors, including healthcare. This research paper explores the pressing need for digital clinics utilizing AR and VR technologies, marking a transformative shift in healthcare delivery methodologies. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this paper illuminates the potential benefits, challenges, and prospects associated with integrating AR and VR into clinical settings. This research provides an in-depth exploration of the diverse range of applications where VR/AR is being utilized to enhance medical training, patient care, surgical planning, rehabilitation, and mental health treatments. It explores how VR/ AR technologies are being leveraged to improve medical facilities and training, enabling healthcare professionals to practice complex procedures in realistic virtual environments. Keywords: Rural Healthcare, Healthcare Technology, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Digital Clinics. Research methodology: Primary Methodology - Interviews, Surveys Secondary Research - Articles, News Papers, Videos, Research papers Design Process - 6D Process
- 2. Introduction The Healthcare sector in India sees changes and development at a quickened rate in light of expanding ventures from government and private areas. With about 64% percent of the nation's populace living in rural regions, the absence of basic clinical facilities, for example, medical clinics and centers were in shambles. With the ascent of Digital Technologies, the Indian Healthcare framework is drawing into 'Digital Health' and has begun embracing digital health records, telehealth (eHealth and mHealth), and artificial intelligence (AI). The chances for utilizing digital technology in healthcare have improved over the most recent couple of years with the developing populace of cell phone clients in India even among aged people, upheld by the multiplication of health apps. Other striking advancements are the accessibility of healthcare 'biosensing' wearables, for example, digital blood pressure monitors and glucose sensors, and patient and supplier access to continuous medicinal services information and data. Period 2018-2019 is already recognized and remembered as a defining year in history and the existence of Digital Health. India proposed the mHealth goals at WHA (World Health Assembly) in 2016 was unique. Even though it didn't get embraced that year, however in 2018, WHA passed the resolution on digital health, which will be digital health-centric for WHO – and the impact is already visible. The fourth Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) immediately drops out of those goals. India facilitated a super highest point in February 2018 passing the Delhi Declaration for Digital Health, and has driven the route for pushing the skylines of digital health. In 2016, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) released the Electronic Health Record Standards, subsequently making it fair, that India will construct a solid base before initiating the journey. Also, MOHFW set up the India Health Information Network on the lines of the Asia eHealth Information Network in 2016. A great deal of foundation had additionally been accomplished for the National Digital Health Authority also, which was a political decision statement of the Government and later, they made it a part of the National Health Policy in 2017. Likewise, WHO as of late released guidelines for digital health interventions for healthcare frameworks. Virtual Reality (VR) VR is a technology that creates a completely artificial, computer-generated environment in which users can immerse themselves. It is designed to replace the real world entirely with a simulated one. VR typically involves the use of a head-mounted display (HMD) or goggles that cover the user’s field of vision, blocking out the physical surroundings entirely. Users
- 3. can interact with this artificial environment through specialized input devices such as hand controllers or gloves. In healthcare, VR has found applications in medical training and education, particularly in surgical simulation. It allows medical professionals and students to practice procedures and surgeries in a risk-free virtual environment. VR can also be used for pain management and therapy, creating calming and immersive experiences for patients. Augmented Reality (AR) AR, on the other hand, augments the real world with digital information and virtual elements. Unlike VR, AR does not replace the physical environment but overlays digital content onto it. AR is typically experienced through a device like a smartphone or tablet, or through smart glasses, which allow users to see both the real world and digital information simultaneously. In medicine, AR has been used for various purposes, including medical imaging and diagnostics. Surgeons can use AR to enhance their view during procedures by overlaying patient data, such as CT scans, directly onto the surgical field. AR can also assist in medical training by providing real-time guidance and information to medical professionals. Challenges faced by rural healthcare in India India’s healthcare landscape is a tale of contrasts, with urban centers boasting state-of-the-art medical facilities while rural areas continue to grapple with a myriad of healthcare challenges. Rural India, home to approximately two-thirds of the country’s population, faces unique obstacles that hinder access to quality healthcare. In this blog, we will explore some of the key healthcare challenges in rural India and the efforts being made to address them. 1. Limited Access to Healthcare Facilities: One of the most pressing issues in rural India is the limited availability of healthcare facilities. Many villages, such as primary health centers (PHCs) and hospitals, lack even the most basic healthcare infrastructure. This results in residents having to travel long distances to seek medical care, often at great personal and financial costs. 2. Shortage of Healthcare Personnel: Rural areas suffer from a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. Healthcare workers tend to gravitate towards urban areas due to better career prospects and living conditions, leaving rural populations underserved. 3. Inadequate Medical Supplies and Equipment: Even when healthcare facilities exist, they frequently lack essential medical supplies and equipment. This hampers the ability to provide timely and effective care, especially in
- 4. emergencies or critical medical situations. 4. Limited Awareness and Education: Rural communities often lack awareness about preventive healthcare practices and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. Illiteracy and lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. 5. Socio-economic Factors: Poverty and lack of financial resources contribute significantly to healthcare challenges in rural India. Many individuals cannot afford to pay for healthcare services or medications, and this financial burden can deter them from seeking medical help. 6. Cultural and Traditional Beliefs: Traditional and cultural beliefs sometimes influence healthcare-seeking behavior in rural areas. People may turn to traditional healers or delay seeking modern medical care, which can exacerbate health conditions. 7. Infrastructure and Transportation Issues: Poor transportation infrastructure, including roads and public transportation, makes it difficult for rural residents to reach healthcare facilities on time, especially during emergencies. 8. Healthcare Disparities among States: Healthcare challenges vary widely among different states in India. Some states have made significant progress in improving rural healthcare, while others continue to struggle due to regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure and resources. Efforts are being made by the Indian government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and healthcare providers to address these challenges. Initiatives such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) aim to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure, provide training to healthcare workers, and improve access to essential medications. Telemedicine and mobile health clinics are also being employed to reach remote areas, bringing healthcare services closer to rural populations. Furthermore, community health workers and accredited social health activists (ASHAs) play a crucial role in disseminating health information and facilitating healthcare access in rural India In conclusion, while significant strides have been made in improving healthcare in rural India, numerous challenges persist. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses infrastructure development, healthcare workforce expansion, awareness campaigns, and targeted interventions. Bridging the healthcare gap in rural India is not just a matter of medical care; it is about ensuring equitable access to the
- 5. fundamental right to health for all citizens, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic status. Potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in healthcare Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) have the potential to transform health care, delivering altogether new types of treatments and diagnostics, and changing how and where care is delivered. Central to their potential in diagnosis and treatment is their ability to deliver both standard and entirely new types of content in highly immersive and realistic ways, remotely, and tailored to a variety of clinical contexts. Physicians, patients, and caregivers can enlist AR/VR to help them prepare for, or perform, certain treatments or procedures. Some real-world examples of augmented reality and virtual reality applications already being used to treat patients include: ● An AR system that overlays medical images onto a patient during an operation to help guide the surgeon’s technique. ● A VR system that is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in army veterans. ● A VR rehabilitation therapy that simulates real-life situations to improve physical functions for patients who have experienced a physical disability associated with a stroke or other medical condition. How Are Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Impacting Medical Devices AR/VR can deliver some types of clinical services—including some normally delivered only in clinics and hospitals—to patients in their homes or other non-clinical settings. This could enable patients, including the socioeconomically vulnerable and underserved communities, the elderly or disabled, to access needed health care services when accessing them in person would otherwise be difficult, and this could make it easier, and more likely, for patients to complete treatment and monitoring regimens. In several treatment domains, augmented reality and virtual reality are used to treat patients. Among those domains are: ● Pediatric diagnostics and treatments ● Pain management ● Mental health
- 6. ● Neurological disorders ● Surgery planning ● Intraoperative procedures ● Ophthalmic diagnostics ● Telemedicine ● Virtual Care ● Post-operative and other rehabilitation therapies Design considerations for a digital clinic using VR and AR VR and AR in Telemedicine and remote consultation Remote Medical Consultations with AR Remote Medical Consultations with Augmented Reality (AR) are revolutionizing the way healthcare providers interact with patients. AR technology overlays digital information, such as medical data, images, and holographic models, onto the real-world environment, allowing for enhanced remote medical consultations. Here’s an in-depth look at the applications and benefits of AR in remote medical consultations: Applications of AR in Remote Medical Consultations ● Enhanced Communication: AR bridges the gap between healthcare providers and patients, facilitating clearer and more effective communication. During consultations, doctors can use AR to: ● Visualize Medical Data: Displaying medical scans, test results, and patient records in real-time using AR provides a visual context for discussing diagnoses and treatment options. ● Holographic Models: Creating 3D holographic models of anatomical structures allows doctors to explain complex medical conditions and surgical procedures to patients more comprehensively. ● Telemedicine Advancements: AR contributes to the growth of telemedicine by making remote consultations more immersive and informative. Key telemedicine applications include: ● Virtual Clinic Visits: Patients can attend virtual clinics from the comfort of their homes. AR technology enables doctors to examine patients remotely and make informed decisions. ● Home Monitoring: AR-based apps and devices can monitor vital signs and provide
- 7. real-time health data, which doctors can use to assess patients’ conditions. ● Remote Surgery Support: Surgeons can utilize AR for remote surgical consultations and assistance. In complex surgical procedures, AR offers the following advantages: ● Visualization: AR headsets provide surgeons with a virtual overlay of the surgical field, enhancing precision during surgery. ● Collaboration: Specialists from around the world can collaborate in real-time during surgical procedures, providing guidance and expertise. Benefits of AR in Remote Medical Consultations ● Improved Understanding: Patients can better understand their medical conditions and treatment options through visual aids provided by AR. This leads to increased patient engagement and better-informed decision-making. ● Access to Specialized Care: AR enables patients in remote or underserved areas to access specialized medical care from experts located elsewhere. This is particularly valuable in regions with limited healthcare resources. ● Reduced Healthcare Costs: Remote consultations powered by AR can reduce travel expenses and the need for in-person visits, ultimately lowering healthcare costs for patients. ● Enhanced Medical Education: AR in remote consultations can serve as a valuable educational tool for medical students and professionals, facilitating learning through hands-on experiences. ● Faster Diagnoses and Treatments: Immediate access to medical data and expert opinions through AR can lead to faster diagnoses and treatment plans, especially in emergencies. VR Telemedicine: Overcoming Distance Barriers Virtual Reality (VR) Telemedicine is an innovative approach that leverages VR technology to overcome geographical barriers in healthcare delivery. It enables patients and healthcare providers to interact in immersive virtual environments, making medical consultations and treatments more accessible. Here’s an overview of how VR telemedicine is revolutionizing healthcare: Enhanced Remote Consultations ● Immersive Environments: VR telemedicine creates immersive virtual environments where patients can meet with healthcare professionals, mimicking the experience of an in-person visit.
- 8. ● Real-Time Interaction: Patients and doctors can communicate in real-time using avatars, voice chat, and even physical gestures within the virtual space. ● Visual Data Sharing: Medical data, such as diagnostic images, can be shared and visualized within the VR environment, enabling comprehensive discussions about diagnoses and treatment options. Accessibility and Convenience ● Geographical Barriers: VR telemedicine eliminates geographical constraints, allowing patients in remote or underserved areas to access quality healthcare without traveling long distances. ● Reduced Wait Times: Patients can receive timely consultations and medical advice, reducing the need for lengthy appointment scheduling and waiting times. ● Home-Based Care: Patients with mobility issues or chronic conditions can benefit from ongoing care and monitoring through VR telemedicine, enhancing their quality of life. Future trends and challenges in AR/VR healthcare The future of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in healthcare promises to be transformative, yet it also presents several challenges. Emerging Trends in VR/AR Healthcare ● Personalized Medicine: VR and AR will play a crucial role in tailoring medical treatments to individual patients. Personalized VR/AR simulations will help doctors predict patient responses to treatments more accurately. ● Pain Management: VR is increasingly used to alleviate pain and anxiety during medical procedures. Future trends may involve more sophisticated VR pain management solutions. ● Mental Health: AR apps for mental health support are emerging. Expect growth in VR-based exposure therapy for conditions like PTSD, phobias, and anxiety disorders. ● Rehabilitation: VR-based physical therapy is becoming more prevalent. Future trends will likely see AR incorporated into rehabilitation programs. ● Medical Training: VR and AR will continue to be integral to medical education and training, providing a safe, immersive environment for students and professionals. Conclusion Technology in health is changing rapidly. Some of the current developments in technology
- 9. that are applied to digital health are AI, telemedicine, and Block Chain Technology. However given the slow rate of adoption, it may take longer than a few years for these new technologies to make their presence felt in India. The rapid advancement of digital technologies, particularly augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), presents an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize healthcare delivery in India, especially in rural areas. This review paper has shed light on the pressing need for digital clinics leveraging AR and VR technologies, marking a transformative shift in healthcare methodologies. By exploring the diverse range of applications where VR/AR is being utilized, from medical training to patient care, surgical planning, rehabilitation, and mental health treatments, it becomes evident that these technologies hold immense potential to address the myriad challenges faced by rural healthcare in India. Through enhanced communication, visualization of medical data, and immersive virtual environments, AR and VR facilitate remote medical consultations, overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to specialized care. Moreover, they offer benefits such as improved patient understanding, access to specialized care, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced medical education. Looking ahead, the future trends in VR/AR healthcare are promising, with personalized medicine, pain management, mental health support, rehabilitation, and medical training poised to benefit from these technologies. However, challenges such as infrastructure limitations, technological barriers, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services remain. In conclusion, the integration of AR and VR into healthcare settings has the potential to bridge the healthcare gap in rural India, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens. Embracing these technologies requires collaborative efforts from government bodies, healthcare providers, technology developers, and other stakeholders to realize their full potential in transforming healthcare delivery. References 1. Roy, Mrinmoy. (2020). Digital Health Evolution and Propagation in Rural Healthcare in India: A Review. 2. Vashishth, Tarun & Kumar, Bhupendra & Panwar, Rajneesh & Sharma, Kewal & Chaudhary, Sachin & Sharma, Mr. Vikas. (2023). Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Transforming Medical Applications. 10.4018/979-8-3693-0876-9.ch020. 3. Kanwar, Vikrant & Chaudhary, Shivani & Sharma, Anuj. (2023). CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL HEALTH SERVICES IN RURAL INDIA. 11. 1-5. 10.29086/JISfTeH.11.e3.
- 10. 4. Maroju RG, Choudhari SG, Shaikh MK, Borkar SK, Mendhe H. Role of Telemedicine and Digital Technology in Public Health in India: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 Mar 10;15(3):e35986. doi: 10.7759/cureus.35986. PMID: 37050980; PMCID: PMC10085457. 5. https://iihmrdelhi.edu.in/blog/healthcare-challenges-in-rural-india/#:~:text=Limited%20 Access%20to%20Healthcare%20Facilities,centers%20(PHCs)%20and%20hospitals 6. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/augmented-reality -and-virtual-reality-medical-devices 7. Roy, Mrinmoy. (2020). Digital Health Evolution and Propagation in Rural Healthcare in India: A Review. 8. Vashishth, Tarun & Kumar, Bhupendra & Panwar, Rajneesh & Sharma, Kewal & Chaudhary, Sachin & Sharma, Mr. Vikas. (2023). Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Transforming Medical Applications. 10.4018/979-8-3693-0876-9.ch020.