Metaverse-Based Digital Twins E-Book
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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Fachliteratur
- Sprache: Englisch
The book serves as an essential resource that examines the transformative potential of the metaverse and digital twin technology, highlighting their role in revolutionizing patient care.
Metaverse-Based Digital Twins: Specialized Healthcare Applications is a comprehensive guide providing knowledge of the metaverse and digital twin concepts and their potential applications in several healthcare domains. The metaverse is an emerging technology that could facilitate the exploration of innovative approaches to patient care and foster their advancement. The novel metaverse-driven digital twin is a cutting-edge instrument for enhancing medical treatment. The Metaverse facilitates sophisticated and improved medical procedures through patient appointments and examinations using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, avatar-based treatment of patients, and use in surgical clinics. This volume will provide an innovative and pioneering exploration of the most recent advancements in metaverse-based digital technology and its implications across multiple domains within the healthcare industry for students pursuing medicine and engineering and established professionals looking to innovate in these fields.
Readers will find this book:
- Explores recent progress in healthcare administration using Metaverse-based digital twin technology that enables new discoveries in the healthcare industry;
- Introduces innovative technology that can effectively tackle the diverse challenges faced in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries;
- Offers a thorough account of current advancements in technology and their ethical and equitable application in the healthcare industry.
Audience
Computer scientists, engineers, research scholars, medical practitioners, students, and healthcare managers working with computer interfaces to improve patient care.
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Seitenzahl: 492
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Preface
1 Digital Twins in the Metaverse: An Overview and Their Applications in Healthcare
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Introduction to Metaverse
1.3 Metaverse-Based Technologies
1.4 Immersive Technology
1.5 Digital Twin
1.6 Various Other Potential Metaverse Health Applications
1.7 Conclusion
References
2 Metaverse-Based Digital Twin and Investigating Its Applications in Dentistry
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Various Models of Metaverse
2.3 Benefits of Metaverse in Dental Healthcare
2.4 Digital Human
2.5 Blockchain Uses in Dentistry and Health Care
2.6 Metaverse in Dentistry and Healthcare
2.7 Conclusion
References
3 Role of Metaverse in Cardiology and in Cardiac Catheterization
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Metaverse Definition
3.3 The Rise of the Metaverse Application in Healthcare
3.4 The Promise of the Metaverse in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health
3.5 Application of Metaverse in Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
3.6 Components of the Future Catheterization Laboratory
3.7 Incorporating Metaverse with Cardiology and Developing the Cardioverse
3.8 Challenges to Face and the NFTs Integration
3.9 Conclusion
References
4 Cancer and the Metaverse: An Introduction to Digital Twins
4.1 Introduction
4.2 How Metaverses and Digital Twins Affect Healthcare
4.3 Introduction to Metaverse
4.4 Digital Twins
4.5 Other Applications of DT in Cancer
4.6 Ethical and Legal Challenges of the Metaverse
4.7 Conclusion
References
5 Digital Twins in the Metaverse and Their Application to Personalized Medicine
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Role of DT in Medicine
5.3 Various Technologies of Metaverse
5.4 Digital Twin (DT) Framework
5.5 Applications
5.6 Integrating Variables from Many Types, Places, and Times into Digital Twins
5.7 Conclusion
References
6 Metaverse-Based Digital Twins in Ophthalmology
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Metaverse in Ophthalmology
6.3 Metaverse-Based Different Technologies in Ophthalmology
6.4 Application of Metaverse in Ophthalmology
6.5 Additional Metaverse Applications in Optometry
6.6 Use of Digital Twins
6.7 DT Based Application of Metaverse in Ophthalmology
6.8 Telemedicine for Patient Consultation
6.9 Conclusion
References
7 The Potential of Metaverse-Based Digital Twin in Surgery
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Metaverse: An Introduction
7.3 AI in Surgical Metaverse
7.4 Present Understanding of XR, AR, and VR Platforms
7.5 Potential for Advancement in Surgical Healthcare
7.6 Medical Devices for Patient-to-Image Registration Hardware
7.7 AR/VR Surgical Metaverse: Practical Applications
7.8 Patient Digital Twin
7.9 Digital Twins (DT) to Guide End-Effectors
7.10 Metaverse, XR, and CAD/CAM in Surgical Process
7.11 Conclusion
References
8 Potential of Interactive VR and Digital Twin for Drug Development and Clinical Trials
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Introduction to CADD and VR Drug/Molecule Design
8.3 Applications of VR Relevant to Drug Discovery
8.4 Interactive Molecular Dynamics in Virtual Reality (IMD-VR)
8.5 Generative AI and Digital Twins
8.6 Digital Twins in Preclinical Drug Discovery
8.7 Digital Twins in Clinical Trials
8.8 Digital Twins and
In Silico
Research
8.9 The “TopDown” Digital Twin
8.10 Conclusion
References
9 The Integration of Metaverse in Psychiatry and Mental Health
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Metaverse
9.3 The Relationship Between the Metaverse and Psychiatry
9.4 Metaverse in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders
9.5 Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in the Metaverse
9.6 Conclusion
References
10 Integration of Metaverse-Based Wearables for Creating Digital Healthcare
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Metaverse Framework and Building Block Technologies
10.3 Metaverse Wearables Coupled with XR Technology
10.4 Conclusion
References
11 Potential of Metaverse for Creating Intelligent Healthcare
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Metaverse
11.3 Application in Healthcare
11.4 Additional Applications of Metaverse in Healthcare
11.5 Metaverses in Healthcare for Medical Domains
11.6 Conclusion
References
12 Integration of Digital Metaverse in Educating Medical Students for Better Understanding
12.1 Introduction
12.2 The Function of Metaverses in Education
12.3 Impact of the Metaverse on Healthcare Infrastructures
12.4 Employing Metaverse to Improve Medical Education
12.5 Implications for Healthcare Education
12.6 Additional Applications in Research
12.7 Conclusion
References
Index
End User License Agreement
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
Figure 1.1 Technologies and their applications utilized for digital transforma...
Figure 1.2 Metaverse applications in healthcare that are currently being devel...
Chapter 2
Figure 2.1 Metaverse in dentistry and healthcare.
Chapter 3
Figure 3.1 While the metaverse could be useful in cardiovascular health, it al...
Figure 3.2 The CardioVerse model that has been modified depending on the metav...
Chapter 4
Figure 4.1 Digital twin concept and its application in cancer care.
Chapter 5
Figure 5.1 A visual representation of all the elements necessary for the creat...
Figure 5.2 The accurate development of a DT necessitates multi-omics data.
Figure 5.3 The development of a DT necessitates a substantial volume of divers...
Figure 5.4 Therapies testing on DHT.
Chapter 6
Figure 6.1 A diagram illustrating data collection, integration, predictive ana...
Chapter 7
Figure 7.1 The process of tracking during the alignment of augmented reality (...
Chapter 8
Figure 8.1 DTs as virtual representations of actual biological organisms, name...
Figure 8.2 DTs as virtual replicas of actual biological entities, including ce...
Figure 8.3 DTs as virtual representations of actual biological organisms, enco...
Chapter 9
Figure 9.1 The MedVerse consists of multiple tiers: The infrastructure layer o...
Chapter 10
Figure 10.1 Fundamental technology for the metaverse.
Chapter 11
Figure 11.1 Numerous metaverse benefits for patients and healthcare providers.
Chapter 12
Figure 12.1 Applications of the metaverse in medical education.
Guide
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Preface
Begin Reading
Index
Wiley End User License Agreement
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Scrivener Publishing100 Cummings Center, Suite 541JBeverly, MA 01915-6106
Publishers at ScrivenerMartin Scrivener ([email protected])Phillip Carmical ([email protected])
Metaverse-Based Digital Twins
Specialized Healthcare Applications
Rishabha Malviya
Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences,Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaGalgotias Multi-Disciplinary Research & Development Cell (G-MRDC),Galgotias University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
and
Shivam Rajput
Hindu College of Pharmacy, Sonipat, Haryana, India
This edition first published 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA and Scrivener Publishing LLC, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 541J, Beverly, MA 01915, USA © 2025 Scrivener Publishing LLC For more information about Scrivener publications please visit www.scrivenerpublishing.com.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
ISBN 978-1-394-31565-9
Front cover image courtesy of Adobe FireflyCover design by Russell Richardson
Preface
The concept of a shared virtual environment, or metaverse, has rapidly transitioned from science fiction to practical application. Increasingly, simulated, analyzed, and optimized virtual counterparts of physical entities, known as “digital twins,” are gaining traction across diverse healthcare research domains. The fusion of these technologies opens up unprecedented avenues for innovation and advancement within the healthcare sector. This book’s chapters delve into a detailed examination of how digital twins, integrated with the metaverse, are applied in healthcare. Each chapter investigates the transformative impact of this synergy on patient care in various specialties such as dentistry, ophthalmology, cardiology, and psychiatry. The potential to enhance health outcomes through immersive experiences, telemedicine advancements, personalized treatment approaches, and more, is immense.
This book serves as a resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and technologists, helping them to grasp the complexities involved in deploying metaverse-based digital twins solutions. By presenting practical examples, analyzing challenges, and discussing potential future developments, we aim to equip our readers with a comprehensive understanding of these technologies’ transformative potential in healthcare.
Ultimately, this book will foster innovation and collaboration, leading to improved healthcare outcomes for all.
We hope that this book will inspire further research and innovation in this exciting field and contribute to the development of practical solutions that can be implemented on a global scale. Finally, our gratitude goes to Martin Scrivener and the team at Scrivener Publishing for their support in bringing this volume to light.
The Editors
February 2025
1Digital Twins in the Metaverse: An Overview and Their Applications in Healthcare
Abstract
Digital twins (DTs) are quickly spreading across many areas. More and more people are interested in how DTs could be used in healthcare in the metaverse. People can communicate with virtual avatars and environments in a digital world called the metaverse. Because of how quickly digitalization and robotics are changing things, the health care industry has grown a lot. Many new models have been made because of this growth, which offers cheaper and more flexible ways to give medications. The Metaverse is a new type of digital technology that could be very useful in healthcare. It lets doctors and patients have more in-depth experiences with each other. Intelligent machines, the Internet of Medical Devices, virtual and augmented reality, and robots are some of the technologies used in the Metaverse. It gives people the chance to think of new ways to treat and provide better health care. When these technologies work together, they make sure that the care a patient receives is personalized, engaging, and tailored to their specific needs. Furthermore, it provides flexible and smart choices that lower barriers between medical professionals and patients. This chapter gives a thorough look at the metaverse and what it might mean for health care in the future. This chapter talks about the newest advances, the technology needed to use the metaverse in healthcare, and the possible applications.
Keywords: Digital twin, virtual reality, augmented reality, treatment, patient care, personalized care, healthcare, metaverse
1.1 Introduction
Digital twins (DTs) are a big part of the current industrial revolution because they use the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced data analysis to change many industries in basic ways [1]. The broad use of IoT technology has made it much easier to access data in many areas, including manufacturing [2], healthcare [3], and smart cities [4]. With the development of full data analytics tools and the widespread availability of data in fields like manufacturing and smart cities, new applications have become possible, such as automated maintenance and problem identification, as well as improvements to manufacturing and smart city facilities [5]. Further, DTs are necessary for smart city traffic management to work well [6], as well as for improving healthcare operations and finding problems in systems that look for them [7]. The instances beyond show how useful digital twins are for making processes more efficient and improving business effectiveness in many different areas [8, 9]. Organizations are able to gain valuable insights and make data-driven decisions because to the DT environment’s facilitation of continuous and efficient information transfer across the digital and physical realms. Integration enhances operational efficiency, promotes a more profound comprehension of intricate systems, and facilitates the search of optimization across multiple domains. By utilizing digital twins, a variety of fields can investigate novel opportunities for optimizing allocation of resources, predictive maintenance deployment, and process enhancement. So, this might lead to more efficiency, less expenses, and better results for the business as a whole.
Since its inception as a concept in Neal Stephenson’s acclaimed science fiction book Snow Crash, the metaverse has grown into a digitally generated universe that incorporates actual economic systems. The concept involves the seamless incorporation of immersive communal spaces that seamlessly combine materials from the human, physical, and digital domains [10]. The metaverse is making the transition from a theoretical concept to an actual phenomenon as a result of the ongoing advancements in numerous technologies. All of the following are included: devices with sensors [11], non-fungible tokens (NFTs) [12], augmented reality (AR) [13], 5G connection [14], DTs [15], blockchain [16], VR [17], interfaces between brains and computers [18], and AI [19]. These developments have garnered significant global attention, prompting major technological companies such as Microsoft, Tencent, NVIDIA, and Meta (previously Facebook) to allocate resources to their ongoing advancement [20]. The metaverse’s development can be comprehended through the examination of three distinct phases: digital twin, digital natives, and the development of surreality. The primary objective of the initial phase is to generate comprehensive digital twin representations of individuals and objects in virtual environments, thereby precisely replicating the actual world in a dynamic digital format. In the field of digital twins, specifically with avatars, there is a lot of evidence of people actively participating in metaverse content generation and innovation. This phenomenon essentially eliminates the conventional distinctions among the physical and virtual domains. In the final stage, the metaverse undergoes a transformation into a surreal domain that is both self-sustaining and enduring. The capacity of the metaverse to merge the real and virtual worlds in such a natural way allows it to overcome the limitations of the physical world, leading to this evolution [21].
The metaverse has experienced significant progress in a variety of sectors, like social networking, diagnostics, and approach to treatment. Nevertheless, its application in the medical field, particularly in the medical evaluation, therapy, and assessment of disease, need further investigation, cautiously consideration, and scholarly investigation. Integrating many technologies including distributed systems, extended and mixed reality, AI, fast internet, blockchain, and virtual and extended reality creates the metaverse, a merging of the actual and virtual worlds. A revolutionary transition in healthcare may be initiated by the convergence of multiple elements, which could have substantial implications for clinical practice and overall health [22]. Healthcare professionals can participate with patient in a personalized and remarkable approach, which leads to improved patient satisfaction and care, as a result of the metaverse’s immersive and interactive features [23]. The efficiency and effectiveness of medical procedures are further improved by the metaverse, which allows for the smooth transfer of resources and information. Therefore, the metaverse could make big changes in the health care field.
1.2 Introduction to Metaverse
Researchers explain that he metaverse is a digital space where people can connect with each other virtually. It includes many things, like social networking, web-based games, augmented reality, and virtual reality [24]. The “metaverse” is a network of shared, realistic virtual worlds that are all linked to each other. People can do many things in these virtual places, such as making purchases, playing games, making friends, and doing work-related tasks [25]. A hypothetical or newly imagined networked virtual environment where users inhabit digitally permanent environments as avatars and engage in real-time communication. Any user with an internet connection, augmented or virtual reality headset, game console, mobile device, or desktop computer can join this shared virtual world [26].
Metaverse healthcare is patient-centered, offering a unique blend of interactive, immersive, and recreational services to each user. The Metaverse is a collection of cutting-edge technological advancements like blockchain, DT, telepresence, augmented reality, and virtual reality. These advances have considerable significance for the healthcare sector. The usage of such technological developments provides opportunity to investigate innovative methods for providing therapy at lower costs, therefore enhancing patient results. The Metaverse is a digital world that employs the web to generate a digital universe, whereby human behaviors along with emotions are simulated [27]. The idea encompasses the whole economic and social framework of the real and virtual worlds [28]. Metaverse technology has the ability to aid healthcare practitioners in the efficiency for preparation and treatment of disorders [29].
With the Metaverse platform, doctors may convert CT scans into 3D reconstructions using VR goggles, which improve surgical preoperative preparation. With this ability, surgeons can more precisely observe, understand, and utilize vital anatomical components to carry out life-saving operations [30]. The technologies provided by the Metaverse facilitate improved prescription therapy. EaseVR serves as a pertinent example of a prescription-based solution that utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy to cater to the needs of persons suffering from back pain, employing virtual reality headsets and controllers [31]. These methods address the physiological components of pain by facilitating the formation of interoceptive awareness, deep relaxation, and concentrate diverting. Reconstructing various anatomical features is an intricate part of plastic surgery [32]. The incorporation of VR into the Metaverse could profoundly influence the domain of plastic surgery. Using VR technology, patients can see on virtual avatars what the possible outcomes of a planned surgery would be. With this information, patients can fully understand the possible results, which helps them make better decisions with their surgeon. Effective Metaverse surgeries require a deep understanding of the human body and experience using gadgets that improve catching skills and can be adjusted and customized to meet the unique needs of each person. This method could be used for a lot of different things, from simple procedures to difficult surgeries like removing tumors and performing complicated spine surgeries [33]. The use of the Metaverse in radiology could improve the way images are seen, which would help doctors read moving pictures more accurately. This could help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and help people make better decisions. No matter where the people working on the three-dimensional medical images are located, this technology would make it easier for them to work together and give more chances for radiography training [34]. With the help of game-like features and high-quality immersive material, metaverse technologies in healthcare can get patients more involved. These changes can help doctors explain complicated ideas to their patients, show them how to do medical tasks in a logical order, and make sure their patients take their medications as prescribed.
1.2.1 Metaverse and DT in Healthcare
Recent research has mostly focused on the growing body of research about using DTs in medicine [35]. A lot of real-world uses have been identified, spanning a number of industries. The implementation of DT has yielded exceptional results across multiple sectors. It has been used to enhance healthcare management, facilitate virtual surgical operations, replicate the transfer of viruses, promote fitness-related activities, and increase general well-being in advanced metropolitan areas [36–39].
The application of digital technology in healthcare administration can significantly improve the sector by using AI, data science, ML, and DL techniques. These enhancements possess the ability to significantly change the procedure medical treatment, providing the possibility of personalized and efficient attention to every person. These advances have already encouraged the creation of significant solutions, like applications for monitoring vital signs, interfaces connecting the brain and computers, the identification illnesses, and applications for vital sign surveillance. Figure 1.1 shows the use of digital transformation technologies and their respective applications in healthcare industry.
Figure 1.1 Technologies and their applications utilized for digital transformation in healthcare.
1.2.2 Telemedicine
Telemedicine enables the provision of medical consultations from a distance and offers numerous advantages, particularly for individuals residing in underserved and remote areas. The utilization of the metaverse enables patients to engage in remote consultations with medical professionals and specialists, thereby obviating the necessity for physical travel and resulting in reduced healthcare expenditures.
Telemedicine provides several benefits to patients, encompassing ease, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. The utilization of this alternative to traditional face-to-face consultations reduces the duration of appointment waiting periods, streamlines the process of recuperation, and offers a cost-effective solution. Furthermore, it facilitates the maintenance of care continuity since patients are able to get ongoing support and guidance from healthcare providers, leading to enhanced treatment results [40].
1.3 Metaverse-Based Technologies
The utilization of the metaverse in the medical field has been thoroughly investigated through numerous investigations [41]. The technologies facilitating the development and functioning of the metaverse encompass the following:
Computer vision (CV) is a tool used in medical imaging and internal disease diagnostics.
The IoT is employed in the field of surgery to deliver support, generate alarms, and furnish crucial information.
The utilization of human-computer interface (HCI) facilitates the provision of remote help and enhances the quality of medical services.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is utilized to get significant insights and enhance decision-making processes.
Quantum computing is advantageous in the context of medical applications that require quantum-resistant security, thereby enabling improved computational efficacy.
Blockchain technology is utilized to secure and safeguarding the security of healthcare record of the patient.
Big data allows for better healthcare data visualization and improves healthcare data management.
Extended reality (XR) is a technological framework that finds application in the domains of virtual training, help, and consulting.
The utilization of DT has proven to be beneficial in various aspects of healthcare, including staffing, care models, and operational methods.
The utilization of 3D modelling facilitates the creation of interactive representations of anatomical structures.
5G and subsequent generations of wireless communication technology offer a superior immersive experience, little delay in data transmission, and rapid communication speeds.
Edge computing has demonstrated its efficacy in facilitating efficient data transport and enhancing analytical capabilities.
1.4 Immersive Technology
“Immersive technology” refers to the application of neuroscience concepts to enhance reality, aiming to merge the real world with a digital or virtual environment to create distinctive experiences. Additionally, AR and VR, which have been identified as the two main categories of immersive technologies [42], the field also encompasses DT, telepresence, extended reality (XR), holography, mixed reality (MR), and first-person view (FPV) drone flight [43].
The following is a brief description of the immersive technologies:
Virtual reality (VR):
This technical development makes it possible to build a fully immersive digital world, where the real world is superseded by virtual ones.
Augmented reality (AR):
It is a technological advancement that facilitates the amalgamation of digital materials with the physical environment, yielding a unified visual experience of both physical and digital components.
Mixed reality (MR):
It is a technical advancement that allows for the simultaneous incorporation of digital components into the user’s physical environment, while also enhancing their interactive functionalities.
Extended Reality (XR):
It is a comprehensive term that is employed to characterize a variety of technologies that alter users’ perceptions of reality. These technologies encompass the amalgamation of digital or virtual elements within the physical environment, hence obscuring the boundary between the digital and physical domains. Extended Reality includes AR, MR, VR, and other associated technological developments.
Holography:
This is a technological process that generates a three-dimensional representation of an object, offering the best level of resolution among imaging techniques, enabling observation without any kind of device.
Telepresence:
This refers to a unique method of operating a robot remotely, wherein a human operator is able to watch, experience tactile sensations, interact with, and cooperate with an object located at a distance.
Digital twins (DT):
DT refer to virtual replicas of actual projects that are utilized to establish a connection between physical objects for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and responding to real-time data.
FPV drone flight:
It explains the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that have cameras on them to provide high-definition visuals to screens, mobile devices, goggles, and headsets. This technology allows users to engage in a first-person perspective, so augmenting their environmental experience.
Haptics:
It is a technological approach that utilizes tactile sensations to enhance user interaction with computer programs, hence improving the overall user experience.
The intricacy of multidimensional factors commonly necessitates observation, analysis, and communication, which is the reason immersive technologies find widespread application in healthcare and medical teaching [44]. In essence, any form of content that necessitates in-person simulation and interaction would be deemed appropriate and strongly advocated for use on this platform. Here are a few brief instances of how VR is being utilized in healthcare and medical education:
Operating machinery:
The expenses associated with training and education in the operation of medical machinery are substantial, leading to heightened costs for students, trainees, and engineers. This results in an escalation of the diagnostic fee imposed on patients. One promising option that could be developed to achieve this goal is the digital replication of the entire diagnostic system, including all of the necessary medical modules and instruments. This method offers a safe and economical educational environment.
Clinical deterioration in patients:
The implementation of virtual reality or immersive web technologies could be employed to simulate situations involving patients undergoing clinical deterioration. Patients have the ability to articulate their symptoms using health records and request a treatment strategy that aligns with the judgements made throughout the diagnostic process [
45
].
Additional applications encompass acquiring procedural knowledge, doing surgical operations, simulating emergency situations, mitigating pain, and facilitating physical rehabilitation.
1.4.1 Extended Reality (AR/VR)
Numerous technologies, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), holography, and mixed reality (MR), make up Extended Reality (XR). These technologies are underpinned by AI, computer vision, and an array of interconnected devices, including wearables, cell phones, and head-mounted displays [46]. The amalgamation of speech, vision, movement monitoring, gestures, and the sense of touch in this nascent technological advance is conversing service delivery and improving quality across various sectors [47].
Historically, there has been a prevailing belief that extended reality (XR) will primarily yield advantages for the entertainment sector. The integration of an immersive experience was expected to improve the user’s overall engagement with a video game or movie. Nevertheless, the utilization of XR has significantly exceeded these initial projections. The utilization of this technology is becoming more prevalent across several sectors, ranging from healthcare to manufacturing [48]. The field of extended reality (XR) will achieve its maximum potential and continuously experience more developments within the Metaverse. A combination of VR and AR technologies is employed to improve the general impression of virtual representation within the Metaverse. Holographic communication is a technology that offers users an immersive experience within a seamless environment. Holographic communications possess the capability to manifest digital three-dimensional representations inside the physical universe. The feasibility of this technology is achieved through the integration of 3D capture, hologram production, transmission, and 3D display [49]. The Metaverse facilitates the provision of virtual and immersive encounters, enabling users to transition between various environments and engage in activities akin to those found in the physical realm within interconnected virtual domains.
The integration of XR and the Metaverse has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. Real-life circumstances offer medical students a more comprehensive learning experience compared to traditional classroom settings. Even the most minor mistake in the tangible realm might potentially lead to significant repercussions in an individual’s personal circumstances. In this particular context, the utilization of XR apps inside the medical students will be able to improve their abilities in a 3D virtual environment that closely mimics real-world conditions because of the Metaverse [50]. The goal of this metaverse-based interactive virtual 3D environment is to improve surgeons’ abilities [51]. The utilization of XR technology in conjunction with the Metaverse allows surgeons to effectively observe and analyze organs, tumors, X-rays, and ultrasounds instantaneously and from several perspectives, all while maintaining their attention on the patient during surgical procedures. The use of the Metaverse’s three-dimensional depictions of the anatomy of the patient enhances efficacy and speeds up treatment intervention [52]. In instances where a layperson is tasked with administering resuscitation, medical professionals have the ability to provide guidance for doing resuscitation in the Metaverse through the utilization of XR equipment, leveraging a simulated environment [53]. The Metaverse facilitates the utilization of XR technology and remote-controlled equipment for the provision of physical treatment, speech therapy, and mental health therapy to patients. In the Metaverse, individual health records are securely safeguarded and conveniently accessible, enabling medical professionals to access these records through extended reality (XR) devices. This accessibility facilitates virtual conversations with patients, hence enhancing the ability to provide more informed pharmaceutical recommendations.
1.4.2 AR/VR Based on Metaverse
One of the most important technologies used in the metaverse is virtual reality (VR). The term “virtual reality” (VR) describes a type of computer-generated environment that is unique in that it is interactive, has a three-dimensional feel, and is very immersive. Users are able to engage with the virtual environment using a range of senses, including as touch and spatial positioning. In modern times, the proliferation of technological developments has enabled the widespread integration of virtual reality (VR) technology across diverse domains and sectors. These encompass surgical training, sports training, language acquisition, and even therapeutic interventions aimed at ameliorating stage fright. VR systems can exhibit significant variations in terms of their function and technological characteristics. However, they can generally be classified into one of three types based on their attributes.
Non-immersive:
Non-immersive VR denotes a category of three-dimensional simulated environments accessible via a computer display. The production of sound may also be influenced by the program and its surrounding environment. Through the utilization of input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or other similar apparatus, users possess the capacity to exert a certain degree of impact over the virtual realm. However, It is crucial to acknowledge the surroundings itself does not engage in direct communication with the user. Non-immersive virtual reality (VR) can be observed in many applications such as video games and websites, where users are provided with the ability to personalize the visual aspects of a virtual area.
Semi-immersive:
Semi-immersive VR denotes a form of VR which offers a partially immersive experience, typically achieved through the use of a computer screen, glasses, or a headset. The method does not entail physical locomotion akin to full immersion, but rather focuses on the visual three-dimensional aspect of virtual reality. The flight simulator, which is commonly employed by airlines and the military for pilot training purposes, serves as a representative illustration of semi-immersive virtual reality.
Complete immersive:
The user experiences complete submersion within a virtual three-dimensional environment through this particular form of virtual reality, which provides the utmost level of quality in the virtual reality experience. The range of sensory experiences encompasses auditory perception, visual perception, and sporadic instances of tactile perception. Several endeavors have been undertaken to incorporate fragrance into various contexts. When individuals employ specialized equipment such as helmets, goggles, or gloves, they are granted the ability to thoroughly engage with their surroundings. To provide a sense of motion inside the three-dimensional realm for consumers, the setting may incorporate additional elements such as treadmills or stationary bicycles. Although it is still in its early stages, fully immersive VR technology has already had a major impact on the gaming business and even the healthcare sector to some extent [
54
]. Moreover, it has garnered considerable attention from several other businesses.
1.5 Digital Twin
Virtual representations that function in real-time as digital twins of physical objects or operational processes are known as digital twins.
David Gelernter first introduced the idea of “digital twins” in his 1991 book “Mirror Worlds” [55, 56]. In 2010, NASA implemented the first practical characterization of a digital twin [57] to enhance the modelling of spacecraft physical models.
The ever-improving methods of product design and engineering have given rise to digital twins. The term “digital twin” refers to a computer model of an actual product, service, or process. A DT denotes to digital representation of a physical object, encompassing various elements ranging from machinery and medical devices to larger structures like skyscrapers or even entire urban areas. Metaverse conversely embodies a digital realm where all entities and individuals engage in interactions that closely resemble those occurring in the physical world. DT serve as fundamental elements of the Metaverse by generating a digital representation of each entity within the Metaverse [58].
Building a virtual version of the whole hospital in the Metaverse would make it easier to assess operational strategies, staff, and care models [59]. In situations when there is a scarcity of physical resources, such as beds, operating rooms, doctors’ schedules, or concerns about the transmission of disease, the utilization of virtual models inside the Metaverse can be quite helpful. Patient treatment outcomes, costs, and staff efficiency could all see an uptick with the introduction of the digital twin-enabled Metaverse. The medical sector is marked by its complexity and fragility, making strategic decision-making critically important. The comprehensive virtualization of the hospital in the Metaverse can be accomplished through the use of DT, hence offering a risk-free environment. The application of DT in the Metaverse can also help with the advancement of personalized artificial organs [60]. The utilization of digital twin-enabled Metaverse has the capability to enable the execution of virtual simulations for brain and heart surgeons, allowing them to practice and refine their surgical techniques prior to undertaking intricate real-world surgeries [61].
1.5.1 DT in Medicine
The utilization of DT technology has significantly advanced the medical industry, particularly in the areas of disease diagnosis and therapy. Personalized medicine and precision medicine are the two main areas where DT technology is being used in the medical field.
An overview of the numerous categories of digital twins that are employed in the healthcare:
Entire body:
By combining information from noninvasive clinical sensors with data that individuals provide, such as symptoms or diagnostic reports, an interactive digital model of the full human body can be created [
62
].
Body system:
The human body includes all elements of the 11 essential systemic organs: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, the lymphatic, the respiratory system, digestive system, neurological, the nervous system, heart, the excretory, and reproductive organs. All the systems regulate and govern the essential physiological processes of the human body [
63
].
Organ:
Human organ tissue models created from organs are used for in silico experiments and/or the creation of drugs tailored to individual patients or for surgical operations [
64
].
Cellular:
The use of cellular DT allows for the simulation of cell responses to prospective therapeutic interventions [
65
].
Molecular:
A potential use case for molecular digital twins is the modelling of molecular operations, such as genome sequencing [
66
].
Disease:
The potential of the body’s immune system’s DT to treat a variety of diseases has been demonstrated [
67
].
1.5.2 DT in Personalized Medicine
In recent years, the IoT has exerted considerable influence in the healthcare sector. The deployment of networked sensors in healthcare and environmental settings has significantly transformed data collection, facilitating real-time monitoring. Furthermore, the IoT has initiated efficient and uninterrupted connectivity across diverse devices, equipment, and humans. The aforementioned improvements have facilitated access to essential information through electronic health records, monitoring remotely, medical diagnostics, and patient-generated reports.
In conjunction with the progressions in the IoT, supplementary techniques, namely AI (specifically ML) and cloud computing, have surfaced as indispensable instruments in the field of medical care [68]. Cloud computing provides immediate access to powerful computational resources, while artificial intelligence provides advanced data processing capabilities. In order to process massive volumes of IoT data, which are necessary for real-time analysis and new knowledge discovery, these technologies are indispensable. The integration of many technologies yields synergistic results, enabling the delivery of fast and accurate information for medical practitioners and patients together. Consequently, these technologies enable the capacity to make accurate decisions and implement proactive strategies in healthcare. Furthermore, It is important to acknowledge that such technologies possess the capacity to revolutionize the field of medical care through the emphasis placed on precision and preventive treatment. Nevertheless, the incorporation of DTs serves to augment this perspective, achieving a holistic representation of superior healthcare [69].
1.5.3 DT in Precision Medicine
The realm of precision medicine greatly benefits from the important role of DT. Precision medicine is an approach to healthcare that aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness by shifting from the traditional model of generally prescribed therapies. However, it also places emphasis on the recognition and acceptance of the unique variances and attributes that are present among individuals seeking medical care. Precision medicine focuses on the use of modern diagnostic tools and medicines that are tailored to address the individualized requirements of each patient. In order to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient, doctors look at their family history, biomarkers, physical traits, mental health, and social environment. The primary objective is to guarantee that ill persons are administered the best appropriate treatments at the precise time when they are most required, hence maximizing their efficacy [70].
Nevertheless, contemporary healthcare systems frequently encounter challenges in delivering individualized care for illnesses that necessitate a series of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The complexity of this task is most apparent when examining diseases like cancer, which exhibit considerable variability in disease manifestation and response to treatment [71]. One of the primary obstacles encountered in the precision medicine is the heterogeneous reactions exhibited by individuals sharing a common diagnosis, yet receiving identical treatment regimens. The observed heterogeneity can be ascribed to the complex structure of the disorder, wherein interactions across numerous genes can vary among individuals who have the same sickness. Therefore, it is vital to discern many subgroups of diseases inside a singular diagnostic classification. Nevertheless, the current healthcare system is dependent on biomarkers that have poor sensitivity or specificity, resulting in a disparity between the intricacy of diseases and the available diagnostic tools [72].
To tackle such challenges, DTs could be a viable resolution. DT encompasses the development of a holistic framework that integrates several aspects of a human, including their structural, physical, biological, and historical characteristics. Subsequently, the aforementioned model might be juxtaposed with extensive datasets derived from diverse individuals, hence facilitating the discernment of noteworthy genetic attributes. Thus, DTs can improve disease prediction by looking at a person’s past along with contextual factors including time, place, and activity level [73]. Additionally, DTs have the capability to replicate the potential consequences of different interventions on these individuals, thus offering significant decision-making assistance to medical practitioners and other healthcare experts, such as hospital chemists. Healthcare practitioners can improve their decision-making on treatment options by employing decision trees to assess personalized patient models and simulations.
1.6 Various Other Potential Metaverse Health Applications
Metaverse use offers substantial benefits in holistic healthcare when contrasted with the “handicraft workshop model,” characterized by disparities in diagnosis and treatment approaches among different medical institutions and practitioners. Decisions in a holistic healthcare framework will be based on reviewing expert recommendations and outcomes from different Metaverse technological aids. Research, diagnostics, testing, and insurance are just a few of the many medical applications of the Metaverse. Virtual physical treatment, virtual biopsies, virtual counselling, and virtual alarm responses are just a few of the potential future uses of the Metaverse that might quickly acquire momentum. Figure 1.2 depicts the various uses of the Metaverse in the field of comprehensive healthcare, which are discussed in the next section.
Figure 1.2 Metaverse applications in healthcare that are currently being developed.
1.6.1 Medical Diagnosis
The medical diagnosis procedure entails assessing a patient’s condition through the analysis of symptoms. When cutting-edge technologies like AR, VR, extended DT, blockchain, 5G, and others are integrated into the Metaverse, it greatly improves the accuracy of medical diagnoses for patients.
The current medical IoT has its limitations when it comes to human-computer interaction, communication, and integration with both the actual and virtual worlds. The Metaverse, on the other hand, surpasses these restrictions.
The application of Mixed IoT via implementation of AR and VR glasses can facilitate holographic construction, simulation, and interaction, as well as integration among the physical and virtual realms. This has the advantageous effect of streamlining the resolution of intricate challenges encountered within the healthcare domain.
The researchers [74] have conducted an extensive investigation into the various applications of holography within the medical domain. Within the Metaverse environment, there exists a platform for medical professionals from both the physical and virtual realms to engage in effective communication and collectively make informed decisions. This collaborative method makes it easier to give accurate diagnoses of diseases. Implementing treatment plans that meet the standards set by medical regulatory groups is one way to provide excellent medical care. Adding blockchain technology to the Metaverse makes it possible to store and send health-related electronic materials quickly and easily across many platforms. Because of this integration, doctors can now identify a wider range of conditions more accurately and with more knowledge. Researchers have also looked into a number of ways that the Metaverse could be used in the field of optometry [75].
A group of experts [76] created a diagnostic tool called “Cardioverse” to find and treat cardiovascular diseases. The diagnostic process is necessary to find the best treatment and medication options. By using the Metaverse in the evaluation process, the quality of the next steps can be greatly improved.
1.6.2 Patient Monitoring
Blockchain technology, telepresence technology, and DT technology all have a lot of promise for using the Metaverse in healthcare, especially for keeping an eye on patients. As the name suggests, telemedicine, or telepresence in medicine, lets medical care be given from afar [77]. In emergency cases, patient-simulating test dummies can be used to guess how people might react to surgery or medicines, which makes it easier to learn about these things before they are used on real people. Due to the great importance and sensitivity of medical data, blockchain technology looks like a good way to store and send it safely. This guarantees the preservation of data integrity and reduces the potential hazards linked to unauthorized manipulation or compromise.
Efficient patient monitoring can be accomplished through careful coordination and synchronization of these three fundamental components. The convergence of various technologies into an integrated entity is enabled by the advent of the Metaverse. The medical field stands to gain significantly from the advent of the Metaverse in the realm of scientific advancement. By constructing virtual environments as required, healthcare professionals can deliver treatments to persons in remote regions, bridging geographical divides and providing accessibility to medical services for people in need. The use of the Metaverse can provide a sensory experience similar to being physically present in a certain location, which is crucial and beneficial for patient monitoring. This not only improves interactions among healthcare professionals and patients but also boosts interaction between patients and family members. The usage of the Metaverse for patient monitoring possess the capability to greatly enhance a health condition of the patient by facilitating superior interaction between patients, medical professionals, and family members. Thus, this fosters an environment that enhances the patient’s good health [78, 79].
1.6.3 Surgeries
Metaverse applications are becoming increasingly significant in the medical field, particularly in surgical procedures. Virtual reality glasses and haptic gloves are only two of the tools that surgeons are using to practice actual operations. Adding new tools to the operating room makes it more ready and more efficient.
AR could improve the efficiency of surgeries by granting surgeons immediate access to relevant information. AR technologies provides surgeons with efficient, seamless, and hands-free utilization of patient information by projecting three-dimensional digital representations onto the body of the patient. Metaverse provides the capability to teach intricate surgical techniques through three-dimensional visualization methods. Furthermore, the utilization of the Metaverse may provide counselling services to patients who have experienced surgical operations [80].
The researchers developed a product design employing AR technique to enhance maxillofacial bone surgery [81]. Wearable head-mounted devices that record an individual’s visual features and enable maxillofacial bone surgery are part of the augmented reality technology. Medical professionals can use product design to make electronic designs that include information specific to each patient. In a similar vein, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in South Korea used augmented and virtual reality (AR/ VR) and XR technologies extensively in their lung cancer surgery training program [82].
1.7 Conclusion
This chapter goes over the idea of the metaverse as well as how it might be utilized in healthcare in great detail. Due to its creative and advanced features, the Metaverse needs to be added to digital healthcare in order to keep up with changing needs. By making it easier to create digital and smart health care systems, using current technology in the metaverse could really change the way healthcare is provided. These cutting-edge technologies make the metaverse possible and could change the medical field. There are a lot of amazing ways that the Metaverse could change medical care. A lot of study needs to be done to look into how the Metaverse could be used in different areas of medicine, like diagnosing, treating, monitoring patients, and teaching about healthcare. It is important to pay more attention to how the metaverse can be used effectively in all areas of the healthcare business in the future.
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