Healthcare in the Metaverse: Applications, Evidence, and Future Directions
摘要
Integrating emerging digital technologies, such as the metaverse, into healthcare holds immense potential to transform care delivery and improve patient outcomes. The metaverse, a convergence of virtual, augmented, and extended reality, offers interconnected environments that enhance patient interaction and engagement. This chapter explores the significant health potential of the metaverse, highlighting its capacity to improve treatment outcomes and democratize healthcare access, as well as the technical, ethical, and legal considerations surrounding the adoption of those technologies. The metaverse has diverse applications, including improved patient engagement, enhanced rehabilitation outcomes, and more effective assessment of healthcare professionals’ competencies. Although the metaverse offers a promising avenue for innovation, successful implementation will depend on overcoming technical limitations and ensuring accessibility for all. Future perspectives highlight the role of personalized treatment and the importance of overcoming economic and technical barriers to ensure equitable access to these advanced technologies. Ultimately, the metaverse signals a shift toward a more human-centered healthcare model that promises to redefine patient–provider interactions and promote compassionate care, positioning technology as an ally rather than a mere tool.