The metaverse in the world of health: The present future. Challenges and opportunities

The World Health Organization has defined "digital health" as the use of information and communication technologies to improve health. In recent years, there has been a strong acceleration in the adoption of these digital tools, which has had a major impact on traditional healthcare models. We are currently witnessing the emergence of a large immersive virtual environment called the "metaverse." Its emergence creates new and challenging opportunities in health care. This article explores some metaverse-related concepts, provides specific examples of its use in pediatrics, describes experiences in the hospital setting, and finally delves into the resulting challenges and opportunities.