Leveraging AI and XR to Transform Patient Care in Pharma and Healthcare
Harnessing emerging technologies to revolutionise training and enhance patient outcomes
Introduction
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) in healthcare is no longer a futuristic vision but a present-day reality. These technologies are reshaping the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries by enhancing training, improving patient care, and streamlining complex procedures. To delve deeper into this transformation, Pharma IQ sat down with Dr. Justin Barad, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Osso VR, to discuss the current and future impact of XR and AI on healthcare.
The Role of XR in Pharma and Healthcare
Q: How are extended reality (XR) technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), currently being utilised in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries? Can you provide some examples of their most impactful applications?
Justin Barad: XR technology platforms have been a significant solution to the growing problem of training and assessment in healthcare. The number of procedures and tasks healthcare professionals need to learn is expanding rapidly, and XR provides a way to address this challenge efficiently.
XR is used for training in various areas:
- Emerging Medical Technologies: XR is heavily leveraged to help healthcare professionals safely adopt new technologies like robotics and minimally invasive surgery.
- Residency and Fellowship Training: XR is part of curriculums to accelerate learning and ensure proficiency in operating rooms.
- Nursing Education: Nurses use XR to perform critical procedures and train with their teams to optimise coordination.
These applications are backed by data. For instance, a study at UCLA published in the Journal of Surgical Education showed significantly higher global assessment scores in the VR group compared to standard training (17.5 vs. 7.5).
Advancements and Innovations in XR
Q: What recent advancements in XR technology have the potential to significantly impact surgical training and assessment? How do these advancements differ from previous training methods?
Justin Barad: Traditional hands-on training in healthcare has its limitations, including high costs and lack of standardisation. Modern spatial computing has revolutionised this by providing an anytime, anywhere simulation platform. The new headsets are portable, affordable, and capable of simulating various procedures with high realism.
Recent advancements like the Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro have made these applications more sophisticated and accessible. The lines between virtual and augmented reality are blurring, allowing trainees to seamlessly switch between fully immersive experiences and those involving their real environments.
Integration of AI and XR
Q: How do AI and XR technologies complement each other in the pharma and healthcare sectors and can you share any examples of successful integrations that have enhanced medical training or patient care?
Justin Barad: The integration of AI with XR offers promising applications in healthcare. AI can be used to create automated coaches for XR training experiences, though this needs careful handling due to potential inaccuracies. AI accelerates the production of spatial computing content, enabling rapid development and feedback in training environments.
For example, AI can summarise and provide feedback on XR training sessions, significantly enhancing the learning experience. This capability is crucial for team-based training and simulation.
Ethical and Regulatory Challenges
Q: What are the primary ethical and regulatory challenges associated with implementing XR and AI in pharma and healthcare? How can companies navigate these challenges effectively?
Justin Barad: Ethical and regulatory challenges include data privacy, security, and ensuring patient consent. Companies must implement robust encryption and cybersecurity measures to protect patient data. Keeping patients informed and obtaining their consent for data usage is crucial. Regular updates to terms and conditions and patient support hub enrollment forms are necessary to maintain transparency.
Collaboration and Ecosystem
Q: What role do collaborations between tech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and healthcare providers play in the development and implementation of XR solutions and can you highlight any successful partnerships?
Justin Barad: Collaboration is key to developing and implementing XR solutions. For instance, at Osso VR, we work closely with pharmaceutical companies to identify training goals and deliver customised, clinically accurate content. Our recent collaboration with Apple for the Osso Health app on the Apple Vision Pro headset exemplifies how tech partnerships can bring surgical training applications to consumers, providers, and patients alike.
Future Trends and Predictions
Q: What are some emerging trends in XR and AI that you believe will shape the future of the pharma and healthcare industries? Where do you see the most growth potential in the next five years?
Justin Barad: Key trends include advancements in drug manufacturing efficiency, improved accuracy in drug preparation, and enhanced training for healthcare practitioners. XR and AI are poised to decrease barriers to medication access, streamline the delivery of new medications, and play a role in clinical trials by connecting global sites and educating research staff and patients.
Overcoming Implementation Barriers
Q: What are the common barriers to XR and AI implementation in pharma and healthcare, and how can organisations overcome these obstacles to fully realise their potential?
Justin Barad: Common barriers include resistance to change and misconceptions about XR capabilities. Many stakeholders are unaware of the technology's advancements and proven benefits. It's crucial for individuals to experience XR firsthand to understand its potential. Almost every time someone tries XR, they recognise its value and wonder why any other training method would be used.
Conclusion
AI and XR technologies are revolutionising healthcare by reducing inefficiencies, enhancing training, and improving patient care. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of making healthcare more accessible, accurate, and efficient.
Join the Conversation at the AI for Pharma & Healthcare Conference
Explore these topics in depth at the AI for Pharma & Healthcare conference from September 24-26, 2024, in Amsterdam. This event will delve into the practical applications of AI and XR in pharma and healthcare, offering insights into the latest innovations and strategies for implementation. Visit AI for Pharma & Healthcare to learn more.