Immersive Technology
Recent advances in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies have led to clinical applications using these tools for Veteran-facing solutions. VHA Innovation Ecosystem, in collaboration with multiple organizations across the country, is pioneering the introduction of these tools for use in pain management, physical therapy, surgical planning, medical training, and the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Revolutionizing Care Delivery Through Immersive Technologies
Virtual Reality Care in Action
Virtual reality (VR) can be used to deliver prolonged exposure therapy—the practice of recalling a traumatic memory while talking through the nuances of that memory with a therapist—an evidence-based method for treating PTSD; however, Veterans dealing with PTSD often find it difficult to summon specific memories of their time in the service. VR therapy makes the process of recalling and confronting such memories easier for Veterans.
Care & Transformational Initiatives,
in collaboration with Soldier Strong, has deployed 13 VR systems to VA Medical
Centers across the country.
The protocol may come across as simple in writing, but as Dr. Rizzo notes, “exposure
therapy can be difficult.” However, if conducted in a safe and supportive
environment in which the process is overseen by trained VA clinicians, exposure
therapy can help individuals confront and effectively cope with trauma-induced
emotions.
“I was skeptical at first,“ said Christy Tubbs, a clinician at the Syracuse VA
Medical Center in Syracuse, NY. “But it’s an enhancement to treatment that the
therapist provides and it will be helping us do our jobs better.”