Exploring Immersive Technology in Healthcare

On Thursday, October 9th, we welcomed the Life Sciences & Health community to Erasmus MC for our Knowledge Session Immersive Technology, exploring how virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) are being applied in healthcare, research, and professional training.

The session featured three practical applications of immersive technology, highlighting its potential to support patients, advance medical research and strengthen healthcare education.

Hein Willemse from SyncVR Medical showed how VR can help reduce anxiety and stress in children undergoing medical procedures. By immersing young patients in interactive experiences, the technology can distract them during treatment and help make procedures such as paediatric skin surgery less distressing.

Melek Rousian from Erasmus MC shared how VR, combined with 2D and 3D ultrasound, can visualise embryonic development. These immersive visualisations let researchers study development in greater detail, aiming to improve the detection of congenital anomalies, including those affecting cardiac development. They can also help healthcare professionals explain complex findings to expectant parents.

Henrik Hellman from EldersVR, Manabu Healthcare and EldersHome demonstrated how XR can support the training of future care professionals. In a virtual environment, trainees can practise essential activities of daily living (ADL), including basic care for older adults. Repeating these scenarios in a safe learning environment helps them develop practical skills before applying them in real-life care settings.

After the presentations, participants joined two rounds of interactive round-table discussions. They exchanged ideas, asked questions, and experienced immersive technology first-hand, discussing its applications and potential within the healthcare ecosystem.

Thank you to Hein, Melek and Henrik for sharing their expertise, to SHINE for being part of the afternoon, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussions.

We look forward to continuing the conversation and seeing you at our next events. Would you like to join us there? Visit our events-page or sign up for our mailing list to stay up-to-date.