Cystic fibrosis is a genetic
disease that affects both the
lungs and digestive system by
filling them with mucus. The
prevention and treatment for
this debilitating lung disease
and other chronic conditions
generally requires a huge amount
of physiotherapy and medication.
Something that can be mentally
and physically exhausting for the
patient to say the very least.
However, new technology has
found an innovative therapy to
help treat cystic fibrosis through
an unusual treatment and it
comes in the form of a virtual
reality headset. This not only
works as a distraction, but helps
people to relax and regulate their
breathing, something which due
to the nature of the condition
can be difficult for these types of
patients to maintain.
Patients can become immersed
in another world, finding
themselves on safari surrounded
by penguins in the Antarctic, or
even just enjoying a countryside
bike-ride, all whilst sat receiving
treatment in a hospital room in
the UK.
Although this new treatment
is only on trial in the UK at
present and is not by any means
new to the world, this example
of integration of virtual reality
technology and medicine could
make a real difference to those
who take regular trips to the
hospital, and is likely to be of
great benefit to patients both
mentally and physically.
If this treatment becomes
successful it could go on to
further help people with other
types of illness, as well as the
elderly with memory issues and
those homebound individuals
who experience loneliness.
GUESTLIST
2017 / ISSUE 105
19
TECHNOLOGY
Hospitals have never been an enjoyable place,
but new VR technology might just change that
age-old perception.
ESCAPE TO ANOTHER
WORLD...IN HOSPITAL?