The following is a guest article by Sheetal Chawla, VP and Head of Life Sciences at Capgemini Americas.
The promise of innovation and efficiency in the new era of medicine could change patient experiences forever
The metaverse is one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of the modern era – on par with the invention of the smartphone. One after another, industries have begun assessing how the promise of the metaverse can advance innovations and usher in progress within any given field.
One industry with massive potential is healthcare. The concept of the metaverse – or ‘med-averse’ as some have coined it – is puzzling when thought of in conjunction with healthcare. Given the extensive physical nature of a doctor and patient interaction, the question remains how practices such as micro-surgery and physical exams will take place in an entirely digital forum. The short answer is that the extent of the capabilities for the healthcare industry within the metaverse is still vastly unknown.
However, even if the future of healthcare in the metaverse does not involve digital surgery and hands-on medical procedures, there are still numerous possibilities for improving medical research and patient experiences. And while the jury is still out on the future potential of applications for healthcare in the metaverse, the industry is already making use of several real-world capabilities.
Accelerating research for new procedures and drug discovery
Medical research is constantly evolving. The development and certification of new procedures, devices and medicines is a lengthy process in which approvals and rigorous testing can go on for years. And while it may not be clear what the impact of the metaverse on physical medicine will be, it has already been proven that evidence-based medicine can be improved by this technology.
Drug companies and medical research firms have begun to reap the benefits of the metaverse. These organizations can now gather data at an exponential pace to create a standard of care that is based on digital testing and results. In fact, a recent Capgemini Research Institute report found that 99% of biopharma executives agree that connected health will create new treatment pathways, and that it will make healthcare more personalized and integrated.
To go even further, the development of a new medication or procedure has traditionally resulted in lengthy clinical trials, a time barrier that metaverse technology has already begun to solve. Organizations are using digital methods to successfully bypass Phase One and, in rare cases, Phase Two of clinical trials – an application that can have significant impact on the future of medical advancement timelines.
Expanding patient support and anxiety management
Patient support programs can stand to benefit greatly from metaverse technology. Providers are taking note of the benefits of increased connectivity in healthcare, with connected health product portfolios expected to grow by 40% in the next five years.
For the past decade, options for patient support have fallen into one of two categories – groups led by pharma companies, providers or health groups, and patient-led groups on social media. Groups sponsored by providers can often be seen as biased or fragmented, whereas support groups controlled by social media platforms also present a lack of vetted content – and the potential for misinformation.
Conversely, patient support groups in the metaverse – where individuals can see, touch and interact digitally with those facing similar experiences – could offer a sense of belonging and togetherness that feels more personal and less clinical.
Digital support groups have value for patients suffering from anxiety and phobias as well, and benefit those who may be too sick to commute or have reservations about participating in support groups in person. There may be an added feeling of safety by participating in patient support groups virtually, from the comfort and security of one’s own home.
Accessible healthcare for the future
A 2017 report from the World Bank and WHO cited that half of the world’s population cannot obtain essential health services, with many being ushered into poverty due to personal health expenses. Though not in practice yet, the near future could see metaverse technology changing the way that technologically advanced regions provide faster and easier access to healthcare in areas lacking medical resources.
The prospect of digitally reaching areas of the world where healthcare is less accessible is one of the biggest potential impacts that the metaverse could have on the healthcare industry. Beyond access to virtual training and education, the possibility for immersive virtual appointments between patients and medical professionals across the globe could change healthcare connectivity forever.
The metaverse is a fresh new concept, one that society is jumping on as the next wave of innovation across industries. Looking at the healthcare industry, there has been success with several practical applications that already exist, but there are many challenges that remain before we reach ‘Hollywood applications’ of metaverse technology in healthcare.
While we do not fully understand human needs for health experiences in the metaverse and have yet to tackle regulatory issues related to this technology, the progress reflected in such a short time period signals promise for the future of the ‘med-averse’.
