Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Use Cases in Gastroenterology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Gastroenterology Innovations
• Digital Health

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging technologies with growing applications in medicine.
• While extensively studied in surgery and neurology, their role in gastroenterology is still developing.
• These technologies offer potential for enhancing medical training and patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current applications of VR and AR in gastroenterology.
• To explore their use in endoscopy training and procedural skill development.
• To identify their role in patient comfort, pain management, and pre-procedure education.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of VR and AR applications in gastroenterology.
• Analysis of studies focusing on endoscopy training and procedural skills.
• Evaluation of VR/AR impact on patient comfort, pain, and education.

Main Results:

• VR simulators enhance procedural skills and patient care in gastroenterology.
• VR reduces patient discomfort and can be an alternative to sedation during procedures like colonoscopies.
• AR improves polyp detection and diagnostic accuracy in colonoscopies.
• VR enhances pre-procedure education, increasing patient satisfaction and outcomes in functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusions:

• VR and AR show significant promise for advancing gastroenterology education and practice.
• These technologies provide cost-effective, patient-friendly solutions.
• Continued research is vital to fully leverage VR and AR benefits in clinical gastroenterology.