Virtual Technology Review

Virtual reality (VR) is a important link computer technology that creates 3D environments. It allows users to interact with virtual worlds using different devices. Virtual reality is viewed on mobile device screens as well as virtual reality rooms on head-mounted displays, or with virtual reality goggles. VR can also allow users to manipulate 3D models of human bodies as well as the physical environment through first-person interactions with these models, referred to as avatars.

In 1968, Ivan Sutherland created a feasible head-mounted display at Harvard University (figure 1-17). The display was made up of miniature cathode ray tubes which gave stereoscopic visual images to each eye, and mechanical and ultrasonic tracking to allow users to move in a virtual world. The VR technology platform was developed because of the advances in computer graphics and computer processing. Oxford Medical Systems (the predecessor to Vicon Motion Systems) develops the first commercial Motion Capture (MoCap), system in 1984. Silicon Graphics, Inc. developed the VLSI Graphics Engine, which is a high-speed computer utilized by a number of VR facilities.

It has been proven that VR has the ability to improve knowledge and skills for health professionals’ education when in comparison to less interactive online learning interventions. However, it is not yet certain if these benefits translate into improved outcomes for patients. VR has been shown to reduce both patient and health care provider stress. Nijland et al found that ICU nurses who used VR relaxation during their break time experienced significantly lower stress levels than nurses who did not use VR. However it is crucial to recognize that the duration of the VR application could cause hyperstimulation and cybersickness for some patients.