Virtual reality (VR) is a computer technology that creates 3D environments. It allows users to interact with virtual worlds through different devices. Virtual reality is viewed using mobile device screens as well as head-mounted displays or VR goggles. VR also allows users to manipulate 3D models of human bodies as well as the physical environment by engaging in first-person interaction with these models, which are referred to as avatars.
In 1968, Ivan Sutherland created a viable head-mounted display at Harvard University (figure 1-17). The system was comprised of miniature cathode-ray tubes which provided stereoscopic images for each eye, as well as ultrasonic and mechanical trackers designed to allow user movement within a digital world. The VR technology platform was created due to advances in computer graphics and computer processing. Oxford Medical Systems (the predecessor to Vicon Motion Systems) develops the first commercial Motion Capture (MoCap) system in 1984. Silicon Graphics, Inc. develops the VLSI Graphics Engine which offers an extremely fast workstation that has been used by many VR facilities for years.
VR has been shown to increase knowledge and abilities in health professions education compared with less interactive digital learning programs, but it is not certain if these results translate to patient-related outcomes. VR has been demonstrated to reduce the health care provider and the patient stress. Nijland et al found that ICU nurses who used VR relaxation during their break time had significantly less stress than nurses not using VR. It is important to note that the length of VR applications can trigger hyperstimulation and cybersickness for some patients.