STORY / PUBLIC SOURCE RECORD
AR and VR in healthcare: a medical revolution
- Published 7 February 2025; updated 25 March 2026; estimated reading time 3 minutes. The article defines augmented reality (AR) as digital information layered over the physical world, allowing users to retain awareness of their surroundings. Its examples include surgeons viewing patient vital signs or imaging overlays during procedures, visualising anatomy for diagnosis/treatment planning and giving patients interactive explanations of diagnoses and procedures.
- Virtual reality (VR) is defined as a computer-generated immersive environment viewed through special goggles. In healthcare it can simulate scenarios for professional practice and help patients understand medical conditions. Applications listed include anatomy and surgery education, physical rehabilitation, exposure therapy for phobias/PTSD/anxiety and support for chronic-condition pain and quality of life.
- In pain management, the article cites clinical research indicating VR may reduce pain intensity and medication needs. Described methods include immersive distraction; CBT-style exposure to psychological pain triggers; guided physiotherapy for conditions such as fibromyalgia and lower-back pain; acute-pain support during wound care for burn injuries or labour; and virtual experiences intended to retrain pain processing, including phantom-limb pain.
- The page characterises AR/VR as developing tools that may improve diagnostic precision, patient education and therapy. Links include Health and life science, a Norwegian solution for virtual medical training, an article on surgical simulation, Harvard Health on VR for chronic pain and an NTNU research record.