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Unlock the transformative potential of the Metaverse with this crucial book that delves into vital information, security concerns, and innovative applications that can significantly enhance personalized patient care in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This book explores insights into information security concerns, preventive measures, and their impact on healthcare applications in the Metaverse. The Metaverse is an amplified virtual world derived from the conjunction of virtual and physical space, where users can interact in an augmented world to meet each other virtually and engage in virtual activities that give authentic practice. The healthcare industry will tremendously benefit from this technology by using it to enhance personalized care for clients. Public health experts believe that while much has been said about the potential of the Metaverse in the entertainment and gaming industry, healthcare is another industry where its impact could be transformational. This volume provides a better understanding of healthcare applications in the Metaverse and why digital information security is of major concern. Recently, the world saw the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which physically stopped mobility. Life is taken care of using digital interactions and the movement of information digitally through the Metaverse. This book explores implementation issues and performance evaluations of emerging technologies, along with research results and networking methods to demonstrate the immense benefits of this emerging technology.
Readers will find this book:
Audience
Researchers, students, educators, and healthcare professionals focused on information communication technologies and their benefits in healthcare.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
Cover
Table of Contents
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I: METAVERSE TECHNOLOGY
1 Introduction to Metaverse for Healthcare
1.1 Introduction of Metaverse
1.2 Metaverse in Healthcare
1.3 Potential Uses of Metaverse in Healthcare
1.4 Technological Infrastructure
1.5 Benefits and Opportunities
1.6 Challenges and Risks
1.7 Metaverse’s Prospects for the Future in Healthcare
1.8 Conclusion
References
2 Metaverse and Virtual Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Metaverse Enabling Technologies
2.3 Application in Healthcare
2.4 Limitations and Challenges
2.5 Conclusion
References
3 Innovation and Accountability: An Ethical Perspective on Metaverse Healthcare
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Methodology
3.3 Discussion
References
4 The Healthcare Metaverse: Utilizations, Obstacles, and Prospects
Introduction
Metaverse
Metaverse Components
AR/VR Technologies
Future Directions
Conclusion
References
5 Creating The Healthcare of Tomorrow: The Metaverse’s Opportunities and Challenges
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Analysis: Metaverse and Healthcare
5.3 Discussion and Synthesis
5.4 Conclusion
References
6 The Role of Metaverse, AI, and 5G in Modernizing Healthcare Platforms
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Application of Metaverse in Healthcare
6.3 5G and AI Integration with Metaverse
6.4 Conclusion and Future Scope
References
7 Metaverse Makeover: Transforming Patient Care and Wellness in Virtual Realms
7.1 Introduction
7.2 The Evolution of Healthcare in Virtual Environments
7.3 Applications of the Metaverse in Patient Care
7.4 Improving Healthcare Education and Training
7.5 Challenges and Considerations
7.6 Future Directions and Opportunities
7.7 Conclusion
References
8 Metaverse in Medical Training and Education
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Virtual Reality
8.3 Augmented Reality
8.4 The Technology
8.5 Market of AR and VR in Healthcare Practice
8.6 Case Studies
8.7 Future Directions
8.8 Conclusion
References
Part II: SECURITY FOR METAVERSE
9 Securing Healthcare in the Metaverse: Advance Deep Learning Algorithms for Non-TATA Promoter Classification in Genome Sequencing
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Literature Review
9.3 Methodology
9.4 Experimental Setup
9.5 Evaluation Metrics
9.6 Training Parameters
9.7 Results and Discussion
9.8 Conclusion
References
10 Data Protection Regulation for E-Health Devices
10.1 Introduction to E-Health Devices
10.2 Importance of Data Protection Regulations
10.3 Security Principles and Data Privacy
10.4 Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Framework
10.5 Data Transfer and Standard Regulations
10.6 Future Data Protection for the E-Health Sector
References
11 An Extensive Review of Current Cybersecurity Trends in the Healthcare Sector
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Related Work
11.3 Findings from the Review
11.4 Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research
11.5 Conclusion
References
12 Implementation of Metaverse Technologies and Its Security
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Unpacking the Metaverse and Its Key Ingredients
12.3 Patient Engagement and Therapy in the Metaverse
12.4 Case Study for the Global Health Initiative
12.5 Ethical Factors in VR Therapy
12.6 Technological Challenges and Solutions
12.7 Conclusion
References
13 Metaverse Technologies, Security, and Applications for Healthcare
13.1 Introduction to the Metaverse
13.2 Metaverse Technologies: Back to the Basics and Beyond
13.3 Security Challenges in the Metaverse for Healthcare
References
14 Leading-Edge Key Management Techniques in the Cryptography: The Metaverse-Driven Strategy
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Association of Sections
14.3 Significant and Consequence of the Leading-Edge Key Management
14.4 Recommended Approaches
14.5 An Extremely Efficient Encipher/Decipher Suggested Algorithm
14.6 Observation and Examination
14.7 Summarization and Future Work
References
Part III: APPLICATIONS OF METAVERSE
15 Implementation of Metaverse for Healthcare System Modeling
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Key Technologies of the Metaverse for Healthcare
15.3 Metaverse Implementation in Healthcare Modeling
15.4 Benefits of Metaverse for Healthcare System Modeling
15.5 Challenges and Considerations
15.6 The Future of Metaverse in Healthcare System Modeling
15.7 Conclusion
References
16 5G Speeds for Metaverse Healthcare Promises and Challenges
16.1 Introduction
16.2 5G Network Requirements for Metaverse Healthcare
16.3 Enabling Metaverse Healthcare Applications with 5G
16.4 Challenges in 5G Rollout for Healthcare Metaverse
16.5 Risks and Uncertainties
16.6 Conclusion and Future Directions
References
17 Incorporating Digital Twin Technology in Healthcare: Prospects and Constraints
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Leveraging Digital Twin Technology to Enhance Patient Care
17.3 Prospects and Constraints
17.4 Healthcare Facilities Utilizing Digital Twins
17.5 Prospective Avenues for Further Investigation
References
18 Application Perspectives of Digital Twin in Healthcare Using Metaverse
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Need for Digital Twin for Healthcare
18.3 Opportunity
18.4 Applications
18.5 Metaverse: Challenges and Opportunity
18.6 Conclusion
References
19 Optimizing DHD for Healthcare Applications in the Metaverse
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Materials Used in Dynamic Holography Display
19.3 How to Train Network Through CNN for the Optimization of Phase-Only Hologram
19.4 Metaverse Technology in Healthcare with Holographic Display
References
20 XAI with Different Methods and Applications in Healthcare
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Leveraging Open Data and XAI
20.3 Knowledge Graph
20.4 Metaverse Using Immersive Technology
20.5 Deep Learning–Based Medical Image Analysis
20.6 Dynamic Pruning via XAI
20.7 Predictive Analytics of Pancreatic Cancer
20.8 Approach to Interpretable Healthcare Model
20.9 Challenges
20.10 Conclusion
References
Index
End User License Agreement
Chapter 4
Table 4.1
Applications of metaverse in healthcare.
Chapter 6
Table 6.1
Various applications of metaverse.
Table 6.2
AI in cross-domain applications.
Table 6.3
5G applications.
Table 6.4
Characteristics of four metaverse deployments [34].
Chapter 8
Table 8.1
Historical overview and development of metaverse.
Table 8.2
Prominent developers in the AR and VR market.
Chapter 9
Table 9.1
Model embedding units and layer configurations for LSTM and GRU arch...
Table 9.2
Layer configurations with batch normalization and dropout for convol...
Table 9.3
Hybrid model configurations with convolutional layers for feature ex...
Table 9.4
WaveNet model configurations.
Table 9.5
Data characteristics.
Table 9.6
Training and testing results for LSTM models.
Table 9.7
Training and testing results for CNN models.
Table 9.8
Training and testing results for ConvoLSTM models.
Table 9.9
Training and testing results for WaveNet models.
Table 9.10
Trainable parameters for different models.
Table 9.11
Training time (in seconds) for different models.
Chapter 12
Table 12.1
This table shows how our design compares to previous research in th...
Chapter 15
Table 15.1
The benefits of VR therapy.
Table 15.2
Benefits of MR-assisted surgery.
Table 15.3
Benefits of XR in healthcare.
Table 15.4
Benefits of AR-assisted surgery.
Table 15.5
Benefits of AI for patient self-management and decision support.
Table 15.6
Metaverse implementation in various healthcare scenarios.
Chapter 16
Table 16.1
Metaverse networks need and features.
Chapter 19
Table 19.1
Literature on holographic display technology utilized by various re...
Table 19.2
Comparative study on various refreshable photorefractive materials,...
Table 19.3
Immersive research in healthcare technologies.
Chapter 20
Table 20.1
Synopsis of XAI algorithms used in medical datasets.
Table 20.2
Different methodologies and their performance metrics for pneumonia...
Chapter 1
Figure 1.1 A metaverse creates immersive digital environments for interaction ...
Figure 1.2 Applications of the metaverse in healthcare.
Figure 1.3 (Left) A patient consulting with a doctor in a virtual clinic. (Rig...
Figure 1.4 Human anatomy dissection through computer-based simulation and 3D, ...
Figure 1.5 A medical student using a virtual reality simulation to practice su...
Figure 1.6 Zimmer Biomet’s OptiVu surgical app will let surgeons and patients ...
Figure 1.7 A patient attending a virtual therapy session in the metaverse [42,...
Figure 1.8 A patient using virtual reality for physical rehabilitation [47].
Figure 1.9 The Venn diagram illustrates the relationship between virtual reali...
Figure 1.10 Wearable devices and hardware used for the metaverse.
Chapter 2
Figure 2.1 Metaverse in healthcare.
Figure 2.2 Application of metaverse in healthcare.
Chapter 3
Figure 3.1 Various cases of ethical perspective on metaverse healthcare.
Figure 3.2 Setup of the SCFE [17]. Open Access.
Figure 3.3 Individualized phantom limb model [18]. Reprinted with copyright pe...
Figure 3.4 Experimental setup in [18]. Reprinted with copyright permission.
Figure 3.5 Images depicting the randomization of subjects into three distinct ...
Figure 3.6 Setup in [19]. Reprint with copyright permission.
Figure 3.7 Architecture in [26]. Reprinted with copyright permission.
Figure 3.8 Peptide sequencing provides a variety of possible cancer therapy al...
Chapter 4
Figure 4.1 Metaverse components.
Figure 4.2 Blockchain for the metaverse [2].
Figure 4.3 Metaverse in the healthcare market.
Figure 4.4 AR/VR in metaverse.
Figure 4.5 Challenges of metaverse in healthcare.
Chapter 6
Figure 6.1 The link between all of the cutting-edge technologies is the metave...
Figure 6.2 Four axes metaverse deployments in healthcare [31]. Open access.
Figure 6.3 Hosted by MetaMed media, 3D ophthalmic surgical rounds [3]. Open ac...
Figure 6.4 The block diagram illustrates the primary classifications and many ...
Figure 6.5 The figure illustrates the functionalities of a network architectur...
Chapter 7
Figure 7.1 Challenges of metaverse in healthcare and wellness.
Figure 7.2 Future of metaverse in the healthcare market. (source: https://www....
Chapter 8
Figure 8.1 Healthcare learning experiences.
Figure 8.2 Metaverse-enabled technology.
Figure 8.3 Reality virtuality continuum.
Figure 8.4 Virtual reality elements.
Figure 8.5 Historical development of augmented reality.
Chapter 9
Figure 9.1 Learning curves LSTM V0.
Figure 9.2 Learning curves LSTM V1.
Figure 9.3 Learning curves CNN V0.
Figure 9.4 Learning curves CNN V1.
Figure 9.5 Learning curves - ConvoLSTM V0.
Figure 9.6 Learning curves - ConvoLSTM V1.
Figure 9.7 Learning curves - WaveNet V0.
Figure 9.8 Learning curves - WaveNet V1.
Chapter 10
Figure 10.1 Scope of e-health devices.
Figure 10.2 Key elements of data confidentiality.
Figure 10.3 Key Emerging technologies in data protection.
Chapter 12
Figure 12.1 The metaverse’s general technological architecture.
Figure 12.2 A schematic representation of the three AR technologies.
Figure 12.3 Digital twins used in medicine in operation.
Figure 12.4 The service architectures of metaverse are adaptable to many healt...
Figure 12.5 Blockchain fundamental composition and structure.
Figure 12.6 Survey of medical experts on their expectations for the integratio...
Figure 12.7 Possible commercial opportunities using the metaverse in healthcar...
Chapter 14
Figure 14.1 Block diagram of enabled cryptography techniques using metaverse.
Chapter 15
Figure 15.1 Metaverse in healthcare modeling.
Chapter 16
Figure 16.1 5G applications impacted by IoT devices [2].
Figure 16.2 5G implementation requirements [2].
Figure 16.3 Taxonomy of 5G network KPIs [6].
Figure 16.4 A general architecture of a smart healthcare network based on 5G [...
Figure 16.5 Teleoperated robots aid in remote surgery [11].
Figure 16.6 Tactile network connectivity zones [28].
Figure 16.7 Healthcare image visualization using AI-based tactile engagement [...
Figure 16.8 Concerns regarding security and privacy in the metaverse [4].
Chapter 17
Figure 17.1 Digital twin in patient care [5].
Chapter 18
Figure 18.1 Formation of metaverse technology.
Figure 18.2 Different visualization algorithms.
Figure 18.3 Framework of a digital twin for healthcare.
Chapter 19
Figure 19.1 Experimental setup of holography display based on CsPbB3 doped alo...
Figure 19.2 Experimental setup of holographic display based on Ag NPs doped wi...
Figure 19.3 Superimposed wavefront through various individual light sources.
Figure 19.4 Suggestion of the amalgamation of U-net with ResNet being the back...
Chapter 20
Figure 20.1 Overview of XAI and the explainable open data.
Figure 20.2 Healthcare metaverse architecture.
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Preface
Acknowledgments
Begin Reading
Index
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Scrivener Publishing100 Cummings Center, Suite 541JBeverly, MA 01915-6106
Publishers at ScrivenerMartin Scrivener ([email protected])Phillip Carmical ([email protected])
Edited by
Ajay Kumar Vyas
Information & Communication Technology Department, Adani University, Ahmedabad, India
Harleen Kaur
School of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
Sourabh Sharma
School of Engineering, Avantika University
and
Bhavya Alankar
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, 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 LLCFor more information about Scrivener publications please visit www.scrivenerpublishing.com.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
ISBN 978-1-394-30524-7
Front cover images courtesy of Adobe FireflyCover design by Russell Richardson
This book provides insights into information security concerns, preventive measures, and their impact on healthcare applications in the Metaverse. The Metaverse is an expanded virtual world that merges physical and digital spaces, allowing users to interact within augmented environments, meet virtually, and engage in immersive activities that simulate real-world experiences. The Metaverse holds tremendous potential for healthcare, enhancing personalized care and accessibility. While much attention has been given to its impact on entertainment and gaming, public health experts increasingly recognize its transformative potential in the healthcare industry. This book explores the role of the Metaverse in healthcare and highlights why digital information security is a major concern.
The global COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of digital interactions, as movement restrictions accelerated the adoption of virtual solutions for healthcare delivery. However, this shift has also amplified concerns about information security, particularly regarding patient data and healthcare transactions. This book is structured into three parts: Part I covers Metaverse technology, Part II focuses on Metaverse security, and Part III examines its applications. Across 20 comprehensive chapters, the book explores various aspects of the Metaverse in healthcare.
Chapter 1 introduces the Metaverse and its potential applications in healthcare, outlining the technological foundations, including developments in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). It discusses threats and challenges such as data privacy and security while exploring opportunities like enhanced telemedicine, remote surgery, and patient rehabilitation. The chapter also considers future trends and the Metaverse’s potential to transform patient care, medical training, and education.
Chapter 2 examines how the Metaverse is revolutionizing healthcare across different medical fields. It highlights the evolution of virtual healthcare interactions, increased accessibility, and the role of VR simulations in medical training. Telemedicine in the Metaverse is making healthcare more immersive, particularly benefiting rural and underserved areas. The chapter also addresses challenges such as legal and ethical concerns surrounding Metaverse adoption in healthcare.
Chapter 3 explores Metaverse technologies that enhance medical facilities, including online therapy, medical education, training, and research. It discusses emerging tools like AI doctor chatbots, digital wellness avatars, and medical simulations, along with ethical concerns surrounding data privacy, patient consent, and equitable access. The chapter emphasizes the importance of governance and ethical regulations to build trust in Metaverse-based healthcare solutions.
Chapter 4 investigates how Metaverse technology can improve clinical administration and patient management. It provides a detailed overview of various healthcare applications, explores the challenges of implementation, and suggests future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
Chapter 5 discusses the foundational technologies of the Metaverse— VR, AR, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—and how they merge to create immersive healthcare environments. It examines applications such as remote consultations, surgical training, and rehabilitation while addressing challenges like accessibility and data security.
Chapter 6 analyzes the advantages, limitations, and transformative effects of Metaverse technologies on healthcare. It explores the integration of 5G, AI, and machine learning (ML) in healthcare, emphasizing the benefits of real-time data transmission and low-latency communication for applications like continuous patient monitoring and remote surgery. The chapter also considers ethical and security concerns associated with these advancements.
Chapter 7 examines how the Metaverse is redefining patient experiences in virtual healthcare environments. It traces the evolution of healthcare in virtual spaces, highlights key developments, and addresses challenges such as technological barriers, ethical considerations, and inclusivity in Metaverse-based healthcare services.
Chapter 8 focuses on the role of Metaverse, VR, and AR in healthcare education and training. It discusses how these technologies enhance teaching methodologies, improve training outcomes, and create advanced simulations for medical professionals. The chapter also explores the challenges of integrating Metaverse applications into educational systems.
Chapter 9 delves into the protection of genomic data in the digital Metaverse landscape. It presents a novel deep-learning approach for classifying non-TATA promoters in genome sequencing, demonstrating how AI-driven methods enhance data security and improve gene regulation research.
Chapter 10 explores data protection regulations for e-health devices. It examines the role of digital health gadgets in preventive healthcare and discusses data acquisition, analysis, and transmission, emphasizing security measures to protect patient information.
Chapter 11 investigates cybersecurity measures in healthcare, analyzing vulnerabilities, data breaches, and their impact on healthcare organizations. It reviews literature on cyberattacks and security strategies implemented between 2015 and 2020, emphasizing the importance of strengthening IT systems.
Chapter 12 discusses the implementation of Metaverse technologies in healthcare, focusing on telemedicine, medical education, and clinical research. It highlights privacy, security, and technical barriers to adoption, outlining strategies to overcome these challenges.
Chapter 13 examines the impact of Metaverse technologies on patient care and healthcare accessibility. It explores ethical concerns related to patient consent, data privacy, and regulatory frameworks necessary for ensuring trust in virtual healthcare environments.
Chapter 14 analyzes encryption techniques for securing Metaverse interactions. It highlights asymmetric encryption and key infrastructure solutions that protect user identities and transactions in digital healthcare spaces.
Chapter 15 explores the integration of AI, VR, AR, and extended reality (XR) into healthcare models. It examines applications in patient pathway simulations, facility design, and epidemiological forecasting, showcasing how the Metaverse is reshaping healthcare planning.
Chapter 16 evaluates the role of 5G in healthcare Metaverse adoption. It discusses performance benchmarks, security risks, and the potential of next-generation virtual care solutions powered by high-speed networks.
Chapter 17 explores digital twin technology in healthcare, discussing its role in real-time data analysis, predictive analytics, and clinical simulations. The chapter emphasizes its potential in revolutionizing surgery and medical education.
Chapter 18 examines how the Metaverse and digital twin applications enhance healthcare sustainability and efficiency. It highlights technologies like holographic simulation and virtual-reality integration with medical science, demonstrating their transformative impact.
Chapter 19 investigates advanced holographic display technology and its applications in medical education and research. It explores the integration of AI-based hologram generation for emergency response training, anatomy education, and drug research.
Chapter 20 discusses the role of explainable AI (XAI) in healthcare, emphasizing transparency in AI-driven medical decisions. It explores the integration of XAI with Open Data, Knowledge Graphs, and Metaverse applications, highlighting use cases in cancer detection, dynamic pruning techniques, and personalized healthcare.
By providing a comprehensive examination of Metaverse technologies in healthcare, this book aims to equip researchers, professionals, and policymakers with the knowledge to navigate the evolving digital landscape. We hope it serves as a valuable resource for those exploring the intersection of healthcare, security, and the Metaverse.
Ajay Kumar Vyas Ph.D.Harleen Kaur Ph.D.Sourabh Sharma Ph.D.Bhavya Alankar Ph.D.
March 2025
Proper acknowledgment goes beyond merely appreciating the idea; it recognizes the efforts, motivation, and dedication that made this project possible. We are deeply grateful to all the contributors, reviewers, and Martin Scrivener and his editorial team for their unwavering support and hard work throughout the development of this book.
This book is lovingly dedicated to my late father, Shri Chhagan Lal Vyas, and my mother, Smt. Shashikala Vyas, my beloved wife, Deepshikha, and my wonderful daughters, Rakshita and Prakshita. Their love and inspiration have been my guiding force.
Ajay Kumar Vyas Ph.D.Harleen Kaur Ph.D.Sourabh Sharma Ph.D.Bhavya Alankar Ph.D.
Amit Sharma
Department of Physics, University Institute of Science, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
The metaverse is a shared virtual environment that has the potential to transform several industries, including healthcare. This paper explores the metaverse and examines its possible uses in the healthcare sector. We discuss the technological foundation needed to enable healthcare based on the metaverse, including developments in augmented reality and virtual reality. The threats and challenges, which include data privacy, security, and the issue of the divided field, are discussed together with opportunities and possibilities such as enhanced telemedicine, remote surgery, and even patient rehabilitation. In the last section, we outline the future ideas and concerns of bringing the metaverse into healthcare and how it could potentially transform the healthcare industry in terms of patient care and medical training and education in the future.
Keywords: Metaverse, augmented reality, virtual reality, VR controller, telemedicine, rehabilitations
The metaverse is a virtually shared space where users can interact with each other in virtual reality to play, work, and learn. It is a world out of more than just science fiction [1]. Neal Stephenson initially coined the term “metaverse” in his science-fiction novel “Snow Crash” in 1992. It imagines an enormous digital world that lives together with a physical one, where people talk to each other through their digital avatars [2]. In modern parlance, the metaverse currently refers to an AR/MR/VR-enabled (augmented/mixed/virtual reality) three-dimensional shared virtual realm (see Figure 1.1). Combining the physical and digital worlds to impact our lives and their real-time interaction between devices promotes users to engage actively rather than passively [3]. The metaverse enables a dynamic three-dimensional experience beyond typical screens, allowing users to navigate the world without screen-space constraints and benefit from new experiences unattainable in physical or standard digital environments. There is a developing acknowledgment among organizations about the capability of metaverse technologies and they are likewise hoping to make huge speculations about it [4].
The idea of a metaverse is currently attracting a lot of attention. Essentially, the metaverse is frequently described as an advanced iteration of the Internet. Using augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR), individuals will navigate the metaverse’s virtual environments much like how we currently browse websites with a mouse [5]. Large corporations have made significant investments in creating the metaverse, which is the next advancement in internet connectivity [6]. According to the findings, the metaverse is likely to transform the medical fields, educational facilities, cultural events, e-commerce, and technological advancement [7]. Meta, which has previously been referred to as Facebook, has begun to transform from being a social media platform into a leader in the metaverse. The new branding is equally consistent with the company’s integration of hybrid glasses that employ wearable sensors to provide a more realistic and engrossing virtual environment [8]. This advancement is upgrading the cognitive experiences and transporting users into the feeling of being there [9].
Figure 1.1 A metaverse creates immersive digital environments for interaction and exploration [10].
The metaverse, an emergent type of digital environment, can be regarded as a promising direction for changing the healthcare sector. Building wellsized shared common spaces could solve current difficulties and ensure smooth integration, enabling user presence and behavior continuity across numerous virtual worlds [11]. This would mean that a patient’s medical record could be easily transferred between hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers. Nevertheless, the future application of the metaverse in healthcare has its drawbacks and should be thoroughly planned. The integration of the metaverse with the real world depends on several technologies, such as augmented and virtual realities, artificial intelligence, high-speed networks, edge computation, and blockchain [12–16], on which the metaverse significantly depends. With time, the metaverse is slowly transforming the face of the health industry whereby one can seek medical assistance and even new surgical operations can be conducted virtually with better precision. Each of these innovations presents healthcare providers with a chance to repudiate the mode of delivering patient care education and practice as well as the overall healthcare sector. Some of the things that need to be solved before taking the metaverse into healthcare are identity theft and compatibility of equipment. However, using metaverse in healthcare has its pros and cons. Consequently, its development should be approached strategically and with caution to improve on these added values.
The metaverse provides opportunities for development and threats for healthcare professionals and insurance companies. They can, therefore, adapt to current trends and continuously look for possible future uses of this technology so that they will always be ahead of other companies. In this area, effective expenditures in infrastructure, the right approach to development, and a patient-centered approach will help to create a metaverse that can have a positive impact and result in better results for the healthcare system. Also, it is worth noting that the health metaverse plays another role in the opportunity to train surgical robots in the metaverse. For instance, the current concept of gamification applied in health management applications and fitness can be advanced using AR in aspects such as virtual trainers and innovative exercise modalities [17]. In addition, future acceptance and implementation of the metaverse, insurance policies, payment structures, and data governance frameworks will be critical to healthcare. The metaverse clinics in the virtual space, teleconsultation features, and the improvement of the relationship between doctors and patients mean that doctors will have a chance to interact with their patients in the future in a new and more engaging manner [18]. It is assumed that with the further development of science, the role of the metaverse in healthcare will increase, thus waiting for the creation of a system that is better, more functional, and accessible to everyone.
It is getting quick attention for its potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry as part of the metaverse. This digital world that embraces such technologies as virtual and augmented reality is full of opportunities to enhance the level of patient care, teaching, and mentoring in the sphere of medicine and further research (see Figure 1.2).
Telemedicine is known as remote healthcare, where a patient and doctor are situated in separate locations but, with the help of technology, can interact. It has been shown that adaptive technologies give more opportunities for healthcare providers to provide remote care in an engaging form [19]. Within the virtual horizons of the metaverse, doctors and patients can interact more fluently than through normal computer-mediated communication [20]. Here, the patients can sit in a virtual waiting room, explain their complaints in a virtual consultation room, and even go through some exercises in a virtual physical therapy center (see Figure 1.3). Such better interactions will strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, improve treatment compliance, and enhance the level of care provided. The metaverse, world, or virtual game is well-made and available to people living in injectable areas or areas that are too far to access healthcare facilities. By removing the traveling component for much-needed medical attention, it is important to improve the availability of advanced types of medicine reducing health lifting options. The metaverse may also have a particularly beneficial impact on patients with mobility limitations by providing therapeutic care at home. In addition, the metaverse may contribute to absorbing excess demand from healthcare providers and facilities [21]. It will be possible to reduce the number of face-to-face sessions by outsourcing some consultations, which will allow using this time for other patients and services. This is particularly valuable during periods of high demand or limited capacity.
Figure 1.2 Applications of the metaverse in healthcare.
Figure 1.3 (Left) A patient consulting with a doctor in a virtual clinic. (Right) Telemedicine case study applications [20].
The metaverse provides an exceptional opportunity for medical practitioners and learners to have practical training in a controlled environment [22]. Virtual reality allows medical students to risk patients with challenging scenarios and still master the execution of difficult situations safely and quickly [23]. As an example, future surgeons may learn how to perform techniques in a dummy and get assessed during such training. It can, therefore, be used to direct learners on how to improve the techniques employed within the operating room at any given time [24]. The use of such active learning approaches in a metaverse has been shown to dramatically enhance student engagement and research in skills acquisition. Furthermore, using these methods entails providing a safe environment so that the students can train on those skills [25]. This is particularly useful to teachers working under the constraints of a pandemic who wish to—or have to—provide experiential education and direct patient contact, which normally would be hard to provide in a conventional classroom setting [24].
Just as in traditional lessons on anatomy, medical students can now experience anatomical dissection in a head-mounted display (Figure 1.4). These engaging lessons give students hands-on experience with the cutting edge of virtual anatomy: the virtual dissection of cadavers. In addition to this, virtual medical education simulation allows students to learn in a controlled and simulated environment where they can do patient diagnosis and treatment, perform procedures, and make decisions. Furthermore, large-scale scenario-based simulations can also be designed to enhance the ability to be critical in leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal relationships, as well as to organize tasks under time pressure. Clinical skill development of medical students, including taking a patient’s history and effective rapport with patients, can be enhanced through their participation in a virtual patient encounter [26]. Besides, the metaverse facilitates remote working, remote learning, and training in an innovative way. The system allows users everywhere in the world to communicate with experts in real time, thus creating a feeling of belonging to a community. Events such as virtual conferences and workshops allow learning and updating with the latest changes in the profession, even in difficult conditions. They can also be useful in stress management and enhancement of general health [25].
Figure 1.4 Human anatomy dissection through computer-based simulation and 3D, VR, and AR applications [27].
The metaverse and other virtual environments have become more useful for medical education [28]. These platforms can thus convert students into clinical settings making it easier for them to understand concepts of medicine, improve skills, and reduce errors. In addition, the metaverse addresses the shortcomings of theoretical knowledge by providing practical aspects of what is being taught in institutions which helps the medical trainees in handling real-world healthcare more sophisticatedly [23]. In the use of virtual reality, teaching practices can become more active in students’ engagement in a blended learning context (see Figure 1.5). It has been suggested that active learning strategies used in these forms of play can add value to education through enrichment in the quality of interaction and learning [29]. It is expected that involving students in realistic educational situations with the help of immersive technologies will be easier than in more conventional educational settings. Thus, the engagement in the metaverse learning activities relative to patient care and virtual patient practice will develop students’ practical skills as well as cognitive skills. The active learning methodologies applied within the metaverse are likely to improve learning outcomes by increasing student motivation and retention and enhancing levels of engagement [23]. The potential applications of the metaverse in education and healthcare are vast and continually expanding as technology advances.
Figure 1.5 A medical student using a virtual reality simulation to practice surgery [28].
Within a metaverse environment, patient education and patent engagement stand to benefit dynamically [30]. Healthcare providers can create interesting and interactive content that goes beyond information delivery, using virtual and augmented reality as immersive tools. The metaverse can also provide a virtual caregiving ecosystem for such patients. There is also the idea of providing a virtual environment, which connects individuals with patients with similar problems and allows for information and even support to be given. Moreover, the metaverse aims at enhancing public health through virtual interventions that promote comprehension regarding the management of diseases, health habits, and treatment options. Many patients will be able to find out how their primary diseases are better managed using virtual clinics and tutorials. It practically allows every stage of a simulated patient education experience to be adapted to the patient’s characteristics within the spheres of the metaverse environment [31]. Targeted education is more efficient compared with the “one size fits all” approach for all patients. Patients may benefit from virtual reality images that depict specific therapeutic interventions such as surgical procedures related to cortical control of bimanual reach and grasp in the same user. For instance, it is possible that a patient for a certain treatment can be shown to intertwine treatments using virtual images and software (see Figure 1.6).
Figure 1.6 Zimmer Biomet’s OptiVu surgical app will let surgeons and patients visualize a procedure together [33].
The metaverse also provides opportunities for patient agency. Patients use virtual tools to track their progress, set individual goals, and receive customized feedback [32]. The more informed patients are, the better their outcomes, which supports a truly consumer-driven healthcare model. Engaging, personalizing, and supporting experiences for their patients to get educated about the conditions of their bodies properly enable healthcare providers with this lifestyle change as well as optimization loop.
The metaverse comes with possibilities that could disrupt the way mental health services are rendered. There can be virtual therapy sections, group therapy, and mental programs conducted in the metaverse which allows people to interact and get help in an environment that feels safe. Additionally, some specific psychological conditions like anxiety and fear can be treated using the virtual reality space. Although there are no clinical studies yet to demonstrate the use of therapeutic tools in the metaverse for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, there is an increasing trend in using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) for the assessment and management of mental illness [34]. With the help of the therapists, the patients can learn to cope with their fears by exposing them to fear-evoking situations in supervised conditions, therefore, improving their life quality.
VR situations have an added advantage since they are not limited to ordinary events that can be hard to recreate accurately in real life. This comes particularly handy in resolving the issue of a relatively few practitioners in psychiatry. VR scenarios can minimize the number of therapeutic appointments done face to face, as the health workers can attend the treatment from different sites [35]. Virtual environments within the metaverse could be beneficial for managing mental health disorders that have already responded positively to virtual reality interventions [36].
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children. VR environments frequently appeal to children; hence, they may be more likely to engage or comply with what is asked of them. Virtual reality aiming at a cognitive neuropsychological approach is being developed to assist children with ADHD, showing them the strategies of efficacy and making symptoms more manageable which can make their daily selfmanagement skills better [
34
].
Eating Disorders:
There have been positive effects of virtual reality on eating disorders. This enables healthcare providers to expose patients in a controlled virtual environment which types of foods or situations might exacerbate psychological cravings. This knowledge can then be used to help patients develop effective coping strategies [
37
].
Anxiety and Stress Disorder:
Individuals with social anxiety have shown significant improvement after participating in a VR social skills training session shown in
Figure 1.7
. The immersive experience allowed them to practice communication skills in a controlled environment, leading to increased self-confidence [
38
,
39
]. Additionally, VR therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in treating phobias.
Autism:
Cognitive therapy using virtual reality (VR) has shown promise in helping patients with autism, and it was effective in improving life skills, concentration, cognition, and memory [
38
].
Alzheimer’s Disease:
Virtual reality has shown potential in assessing navigational skills and improving cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease patients, some individuals reported experiencing negative emotions such as boredom, fear, and anxiety during VR applications [
38
].
Stress and Pain Management:
Virtual reality (VR) can be used to alleviate stress and pain by delivering immersive distractions. Studies have demonstrated that VR applications are more helpful than traditional therapy in managing conditions like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and pain. VR can also benefit chronically ill patients by mimicking situations outside the hospital, offering a change of scenery and enhancing mental well-being [
38
].
Delusions, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia:
VR cognitive therapy has been explored as a potential treatment for conditions such as persecutory delusions and paranoia in individuals experiencing psychosis, depression, and positive symptoms of schizophrenia [
40
,
41
].
Figure 1.7 A patient attending a virtual therapy session in the metaverse [42, 43].
The metaverse presents a wonderful possibility for physical and cognitive rehab. Virtual reality also provides interactive exercises designed to help patients strengthen and improve their balance, coordination, etc. One example is VR-based games targeted to individuals recovering from stroke which mimic walking, reaching for objects, and grasping. Virtual reality can also be used to help with cognitive impairments such as memory loss and attention deficits. Therapists may support cognitive function and enhance the potential for independence by immersing patients in mentally stimulating activities [44].
However, rehabilitation is of great importance in healthcare as it supports the recovery process after an illness or injury [45]. It works to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of residents so they ultimately live more independent lives. The metaverse could be a solution to the problems raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. This, along with its ability to combat social isolation and the scarcity of conventional rehabilitation services, coincides well with the rise in demand for telerehabilitation [45]. Rehabilitation programs can use virtual environments to offer patients a safe and controlled place to practice essential skills (e.g., balance). In addition, the metaverse can help overcome both physical and mental health challenges more broadly by simulating a wide variety of real-world scenarios (see Figure 1.8).
Figure 1.8 A patient using virtual reality for physical rehabilitation [47].
Although still in relative infancy, the metaverse could bring an exponential shift regarding how we relate to and use technology. The applications also reach into rehabilitation by allowing access to therapy through remote sessions. Virtual rehabilitation programs have the great advantage of giving patients who cannot access traditional therapy sessions due to distance or lack of mobility the chance to participate. This technology increases medical accessibility to a great extent, especially among people living in remote areas. It may be thus concluded that the metaverse can bring in a 180-degree change in the healthcare industry, mainly in rehabilitation [46]. The metaverse opens up a bright perspective for healthcare, such as an improved patient experience, distant rehabilitation, and development of medical knowledge. Introducing telemedicine, wearable devices, and AI will give health professionals real-time data to set up treatment on a comfortable level and optimize results. This is a data-driven approach that could change the whole concept of healthcare delivery [46].
The technological infrastructure of the metaverse plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. It provides the foundation for immersive virtual environments, enabling new possibilities for patient care, medical education, and research. Here are some key aspects of this infrastructure:
Augmented Reality (AR):
Augmented reality is one of the most innovative technologies with incredible properties that combine the physical world with the digital one. AR builds upon the real environment through the process of adding levels of information such as graphics on top of real-world images [
48
]. Its uses include giving directions in real time and visualizing the products that we have at home, among others. AR system has sophisticated tracking algorithms to place virtual objects naturally in the user’s environment hence making it immersive. In the same regard, AR simultaneously integrates interactive features like buttons or menus which can be touched on the digital material within/over the real environment (see
Figure 1.9
). Thus, with the help of contextual awareness, AR can offer more relevant information that complies with the user’s geographic location and environment. Also, it can be combined with other technologies, for example, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to develop even more enhanced and unique applications. I have explained in other parts of this paper how AR can transform several business sectors and how it can improve our everyday lives as a result of improving our perception of reality while offering information and experiences at the same time [
48
].
Virtual Reality (VR):
A virtual reality system can be described as a complete sensory environment that introduces the subjects to virtual reality while excluding every aspect of the real world. While models in the virtual environment are depicted in high complexity, the system does not take into account the real context. Current technologies such as VR allow users to walk through the virtual space, touch objects, as well as maneuver around [
49
] (see
Figure 1.9
). Usually, VR headsets are employed, though having a room that has a couple of large screens for inputs is also a method that can be used for creating the VR atmosphere. The following are characterized by head-mounted displays that have tiny screens that are placed directly before the eyes and can hand out high-definition content with a broad field of vision. The typically used input tracking is then complemented by stereoscopic 3D effects in order to provide an experience in VR. This means that the display is divided between the user’s eyes in order to provide the user with depth perception. In particular, haptic technology can produce nonvisual and non-auditory sensory and force feedback for the users. Through the sensory input, users have the chance to affect the generated VR environment but are not able to control it completely. Unlike VR, augmented reality (AR) brings additional elements to the real world by adding or superimposing new objects [
50
]. Users observe the actual scenery straight or via an intermediary such as a camera, while software-enhanced components such as pictures, tunes, or videos are introduced on this scenery. AR does not design a completely different experience, rather it gives an enhancement to the existing experience.
Mixed Reality (MR):
A mixed reality (MR) environment integrates some aspects of the real environment with aspects of virtual environments into the same scene. In MR, both real and virtual objects are rendered such that they can be viewed in the same instance. The integration can be reached in some different ways. For example, augmented elements may be projected onto the physical environment through optical or video-see-through displays; real-world content can be placed into the virtual environment using video input, or haptic objects with active markers that are tracked can be added into the virtual scene. MR is a combination of AR and VR making it exist in the physical world as well as the digital world [
51
]. Sensing and imagining technology enables users to deal with real and virtual objects and environments with the help of a mixed-reality environment (see
Figure 1.9
). This is because it enables a user to be fully aware of the physical world around him/her at the same time as being in a virtual world, all this without having to take the headset off. For instance, in MR, one is allowed to play a video game on a console then pick a physical water bottle and use it to communicate with an avatar in the virtual world. And so, the set can rewrite the rules of work and leisure. As the overlapping of physical and digital environments in MR, the real and virtual objects can be interactively created in real time for patients and training purposes. Before performing surgery, MR enables surgeons to have an array of perspectives on the complexity of anatomical structure to work on which enhances efficiency and efficacy. Special simulations help medical students get the practical look which is helpful for these people to increase their knowledge and improve skills in practice. Also, MR allows working in a team; professionals from other countries can consult and even participate in the treatment process without being there bodily. In light of these advancements in MR technology, the future of healthcare will even be revolutionized to a larger extent through increased efficiency, accuracy, and clientele access.
Extended Reality (XR):
XR is the general term for AR, VR, and MR all-encompassing technologies together as a single form of immersive experience (see
Figure 1.9
). Supported by a range of hardware and software, XR extends from the improved video to the truly multi-dimensional interactions [
52
]. Alongside the improvement of the high-quality XR, consumers and enterprises are using it for activities such as playing games, learning classes, virtual training, and designing the product. XR streaming over the cloud through the 5G is increasing the opportunity for users to immerse in the XR experience at any location. For healthcare training, XR has made a positive impact in changing the experience by, decreasing the number of medical mistakes, improving the competencies of the trainers, decreasing the costs of training, and giving the learners a real-life XR experience. When compared to the conventional training methodologies, the delivery of learning systems can thus enhance the quality of learning thereby reducing costs for training and subsequently increasing the levels of patient satisfaction that arise from better healthcare provision by more competent personnel.
Figure 1.9 The Venn diagram illustrates the relationship between virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR). XR encompasses all technologies that enhance the real-world experience by overlaying or immersing users in digital information. VR creates a fully immersive digital environment, AR overlays digital information onto the real world, and MR blends elements of both VR and AR [53].
As the metaverse concept moves from speculative fiction to practical reality, its impact on various sectors is becoming increasingly evident. Healthcare, in particular, stands to benefit immensely from the advanced hardware designed for the metaverse. By integrating virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and high-performance computing with medical applications, the metaverse is poised to transform patient care, medical training, and clinical research. This article explores the hardware essential for the metaverse and its pivotal role in advancing healthcare.
Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets
VR headsets are essential tools for creating immersive healthcare environments, benefiting both patients and medical professionals l (see
Figure 1.10
).
Oculus Quest 2:
This fully wireless headset with a resolution of 1832 × 1920 pixels per eye and a field of view of 90° is applied in healthcare for virtual therapy sessions and mental health treatments. Patient-centered application and utility are also possible through the portable and user-friendly technology of the device [
54
].
HTC Vive Pro:
As a VR headset, HTC VIVE Pro has a high-resolution display of 1440 × 1600 per eye and accurate tracking that is used in enhanced simulations and realistic human anatomy exercises for surgery among others. Its surgical tracking system is highly robust to capture intricate maneuvers that improve the core surgeries and trains [
55
].
Valve Index:
To be precise, the valve index has a high refresh rate of up to 144 Hz and a very wide field of view of up to 130° and is used in training its personnel. Such capabilities enable effective and elaborated medical training with features such as interactive operations, operations of simulated surgery, and many others [
56
].
Figure 1.10 Wearable devices and hardware used for the metaverse.
Augmented Reality (AR) Devices
Augmented reality devices offer unique applications by overlaying digital information onto the real world, proving invaluable in medical contexts:
Microsoft HoloLens 2:
This is another headset that gets surgeons closer to an actual view of the objects, details about the anatomy of a patient and live data during an operation l (see
Figure 1.10
). This device has a resolution of 2048 × 1080 pixels per eye and also hand tracking, which allows doing complex surgeries with higher accuracy as the important information is overlaid onto the surgeon’s field of vision [
57
].
Magic Leap 2:
This is the second generation of augmented reality technology and is more advanced than its preceding model; its quality pictures and wide field of view make the technology useful in medical applications such as visualization and planning (see
Figure 1.10
). It may be used by surgeons to study detailed models of the anatomy of the patient before the operation is carried out, and this will lead to a very efficient and effective surgery in that the surgeons will be in a position to accomplish the surgeries in the best way [
58
].
High-Performance PCs
High-performance PCs are the backbone of the metaverse, providing the computational power needed for sophisticated medical applications:
CPU:
The use of complicated medical simulations and analysis of big data requires the existence of powerful multi-core processors like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 [
59
]. These processors enable real-time image processing involving high-resolution images and training that involves interactivity.
GPU:
Hardware, such as graphic cards NVIDIA RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800, helps to develop real-life 3D models and simulations. These cards allow complex visualizations that are essential for educational purposes and, to a certain extent, the prognosis of patients’ conditions [
60
].
RAM and Storage:
To get a better experience while playing VR simulations or to reduce the time of data processing, it is recommended to have at least 16 GB of RAM and to increase the amount of storage with an SSD of at least 1 TB.
Connectivity:
To take advantage of metaverse applications, and to optimize data transfer, it will require enough USB ports and a good internet connection.
Tracking Devices
Tracking devices enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of medical simulations and procedures:
Base Stations:
For instance, HTC VIVE base stations that employ laser technology to track the position of VR headsets and controllers are essential when it comes to accurate surgical models and advanced training simulations [
61
].
Additional Trackers:
VIVE trackers are some of the usable devices that help in tracking the location of instruments and patients during simulations hence making the training more real and effective [
62
].
Input Devices
Input devices facilitate interaction within VR and AR environments, playing a significant role in healthcare applications:
VR Controllers:
Devices such as Oculus Touch or Valve Index controllers help people to interact with the virtual environment, for example, in such applications as surgery simulation or patient exercises [
63
].
Haptic Gloves:
Another kind of device that is widely used in medical practice is HaptX Gloves which gives a kind of a sense of touch and allows to make manipulations with the objects that are located in the virtual environment. This is especially important for training purposes since realistic haptic feedback improves learning and subsequent procedure enactment [
63
].
Network Infrastructure
Network infrastructure supports the connectivity required for real-time data sharing and collaborative medical efforts:
High-Speed Internet:
High-speed fiber-broadband technologies are crucial in handling large quantities of information within a short span and with high efficiency for telemedicine, remote consultations, and integrated research.
Routers and Modems:
Advancement in routers and modems makes communication and data transfer fast and constant, essential for a healthcare setting.
Comfort and Ergonomics
In the healthcare sector, comfort and usability are critical:
Headset Padding and Straps:
APEs need to be easy and comfortable to wear for an extended period in medical training and on patients because of the need for lightweight comfortable padding and straps on the headset.
Ergonomic Design:
The devices for training should be ergonomic so that the doctors can use them without discomfort especially when the training is going to take a considerable amount of time or the procedure is going to be quite tiresome.
Audio Equipment
Audio equipment enhances communication and immersion:
Integrated Headphones:
Some of the VR headsets incorporate headset headphones that offer spatial sound which contributes to the realism of the simulations as well as interaction during telemedicine.
External Headsets:
Noise-cancelling headphones give increased concentration as well as blocked-out disturbances, which are perfect for training when interacting with patients.
Power Supply and Battery Life
Power management is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency:
Battery Life:
Sufficient battery capacity for wireless devices is important so that it will not run out of battery during training or patient treatment.
Charging Solutions: