Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has introduced mixed reality technology to enhance patient consultations, provide immersive clinician training, and support surgical preparations. The trust is utilizing the simXAR mixed reality tool, developed by one of its senior neurosurgery registrars, Mr. Ali Haddad, through the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme. Initially designed for neurosurgery training, the tool’s wider benefits have led to its application in patient consultations and surgical planning.
The simXAR tool transforms patient CT and MRI scans into interactive 3D augmented reality (AR) models. Surgeons, trainees, and patients can wear headsets to view and interact with the models, helping to explain treatments and enhance understanding of surgical anatomy. Mr. Haddad highlights that the technology enables surgeons to “visualize and rehearse surgical procedures with great detail and accuracy,” providing significant benefits for both patients and medical professionals.
Imperial College Healthcare is actively exploring the broader potential of the tool. Mr. Haddad has expressed plans to investigate how the technology could be used during real-time surgeries in the future, potentially revolutionizing surgical practice.
This development at Imperial follows a broader trend of integrating mixed and virtual reality (VR) technology within the NHS. For example, earlier this year, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust used VR simulations to train staff in identifying sepsis symptoms, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust launched a two-year project to explore how VR might reduce anxiety in children undergoing cancer treatment.
Other NHS trusts have also adopted immersive technology to improve patient care. The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust offers chemotherapy patients calming virtual reality experiences to reduce anxiety during treatment. Additionally, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals piloted a VR training program where participants can virtually interact with patients and diagnose conditions.
As Imperial College Healthcare and other NHS trusts continue to explore the integration of these cutting-edge technologies, mixed and virtual reality are playing an increasingly important role in enhancing healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and advancing clinical training.
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