Editing Virtual reality (section)

== Medical uses of VR ==
Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a significant tool in medical training and education. Specifically, there has been a major leap in innovation in surgical simulation and surgical real-time enhancement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Laparoscopic Visualization Research |url=http://www.cs.unc.edu/Research/us/laparo.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=www.cs.unc.edu}}</ref> Studies done at North Carolina medical institutions have demonstrated improvement in technical performance and skills among medical students and active surgeons using VR training as compared to traditional training, especially in procedures such as total hip arthroplasty.<ref name=":0" /> Alongside this, other VR simulation programs such as LapSim, improve basic coordination, instrument handling, and procedure-based skills.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Elessawy |first1=Mohamed |last2=Mabrouk |first2=Mohamed |last3=Heilmann |first3=Thorsten |last4=Weigel |first4=Marion |last5=Zidan |first5=Mohamed |last6=Abu-Sheasha |first6=Ghada |last7=Farrokh |first7=Andre |last8=Bauerschlag |first8=Dirk |last9=Maass |first9=Nicolai |last10=Ibrahim |first10=Mohamed |last11=Kamel |first11=Dina |date=2021-02-02 |title=Evaluation of Laparoscopy Virtual Reality Training on the Improvement of Trainees' Surgical Skills |journal=Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) |volume=57 |issue=2 |pages=130 |doi=10.3390/medicina57020130 |doi-access=free |pmc=7913105 |pmid=33540817}}</ref> These simulations aim to have high ratings for feedback and haptic touch, which provides a more realistic surgical feel. 

Studies show significant improvement in task completion time and scores after 4-week training sessions of LapSim. This simulation environment also allows surgeons to practice without risk to real patients, promoting patient safety.<ref name=":2" />

Based on data from research conducted from the University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein and collaborators from other institutions, medical students and surgeons with years of experience, show marked performance boosts after practicing with LapSim VR technology.<ref name=":2" />

Another recent study at North Carolina University of Chapel Hill has shown that developing VR and Augmented Reality (AR) systems have allowed surgeons to keep their eyes on a patient while accessing CT scans. This VR system allows for laparoscopic imaging integration, real-time skin layer visualization, and enhanced surgical precision capabilities.<ref name=":0" />

These are both examples of how studies have shown surgeons can take advantage of additional virtual reality simulation practices, which can create incredible experiences, provide customized scenarios, and provide independent learning with haptic feedback.<ref name=":2" /> These VR systems need to be realistic enough for education tools alongside being able to measure performance of a surgeon.

Some potential future challenges of this technology would be enhancing complex scenarios alongside the realism aspects. These technologies would need to incorporate stress-inducing factors along with other realistic simulation ideas.<ref name=":2" /> Furthermore, there would be a need to have better AR integration to help the surgeon have better eyes-on precision guidance. Lastly, there would be a strong need to keep things cost-effective with an abundance of availability.