Virtual Reality:Potential & Possibility
Jacalyn Huband, Ph.D.
Stephanie Fielding
Kimberley R. Barker, MLIS
A collaboration between ARCS & the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library
Workshop Overview
• Definition of VR
• How VR works
• Safety
• Potential affects on the brain
• Healthcare applications
• Content development projects at UVA
• Survey
• Demonstration
What is VR?
• “an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment”• https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/virtual%20reality
How Does VR Work?(by tricking your brain!)
• Visual immersion
• Computer-generated graphics
• Interactivity
• Motion tracking
• Undetectable latency
• Two types of VR hardware• All-inclusive headset (Rift, VIVE, Playstation)
• Smartphone platform (Google Cardboard)
Elements of a VR Headset
• Stereoscopic display
• Orientation sensor• Gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer
Healthcare Applications
• Surgery preparation
• Assisting with recovery
• Physical therapy
• Memory recovery
• PTSD
Resources• Long-term effects of virtual reality use need more
research, say scientists• https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/1
9/long-term-effects-of-virtual-reality-use-need-more-research-say-scientists
• Virtual Reality Sickness• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality_sickness
• The Dangers of Virtual Reality• https://www.cnet.com/news/the-dangers-of-virtual-
reality/
Resources• Sharecare Acquires Virtual Reality Company To
Transform Patient Engagement and Medical Education• https://about.sharecare.com/press-releases/sharecare-
acquires-virtual-reality-company-transform-patient-engagement-medical-education
• Virtually Better• http://www.virtuallybetter.com/
• VR surgery: Surgeons use virtual reality to educate patients• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V34yf4_vIT8
Resources
• Could a Video Game Be the Key to Stroke Recovery?• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Gr2Ts48e8