The Metaverse in Healthcare: Emerging Technologies, Challenges, and Research Directions
摘要
The Metaverse, a virtual shared space, is a promising avenue for transforming healthcare delivery by providing new and innovative solutions for patients, providers, and researchers. This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the existing state of medical care in the Metaverse and the technological advancements driving its development. The paper highlights the potential benefits of Metaverse healthcare, including the ability to provide remote healthcare services, increase access to healthcare, and offer immersive and engaging patient experiences. It also examines the challenges faced in implementing Metaverse solutions in healthcare. The protection of patient privacy and the prevention of illegal access to sensitive information are two of the utmost important concerns which ought to be resolved. Technical feasibility is another important consideration, as the progress and integration of Metaverse technologies into existing healthcare systems may require significant infrastructure and resource investments. Regulatory compliance is also a challenge, as Metaverse healthcare solutions must adhere to existing healthcare regulations and standards. Additionally, the work reviews future research perspectives in Metaverse healthcare. One important area of research is the development of immersive and interactive patient experiences, that could aid patient engagement and enhance the overall healthcare experience. The integration of “artificial intelligence” and “machine learning” is another promising opportunity for future research, as these technologies could be utilized to analyze patient data, provide personalized treatment plans, and improve healthcare outcomes. Finally, the paper explores new revenue models to support sustainability in Metaverse healthcare, as the costs of developing and maintaining these solutions can be significant.