Canterbury researchers at the Human Interface Technology (HIT) Lab at the University of Canterbury are investigating how virtual reality (VR) can be used as a tool during remote medical assessments. The research team, led by Professor Rob Lindeman and PhD student Dilshani Kumarapeli, aims to provide a personalized and immersive experience for patients and doctors through VR headsets.
The researchers have developed an “asymmetric system” where the patient and doctor use different VR systems and receive customized information based on their individual needs. This system could be particularly beneficial for patients in remote areas, those with contagious illnesses, or individuals with mental health conditions.
One of the key features of the VR system is the ability to convey important physiological information to the doctor, such as eye-tracking, facial expressions, pulse, and breathing rate. This data is then analyzed by a connected software program, allowing the clinician to make a more accurate diagnosis.
The team has already trialed the system with a group of university students and is now preparing it for real-world scenarios. The researchers see great potential for using similar asymmetric VR technology in various contexts, including education.
During the research, Kumarapeli focused on developing emotion recognition software to capture facial expressions of participants wearing the VR headset. This software helped clinicians manage the diagnosis session and enhance the patient-doctor connection.
The project received support from the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge and is currently being prepared for publication.
Overall, the researchers believe that VR technology has the potential to revolutionize remote medical assessments by providing a more immersive and personalized experience for both patients and doctors.
Sources:
– University of Canterbury News Release
