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Health Care Providers Could Use a Second Life

Posted on May 13, 2008 - 08:58 AM

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I frequently speak to health care providers and hospitals associations on the future of health care. More often than not my message about how emerging technologies in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, genomics, stem cell research and robotics will transform the field is greeted with an open mind.

However, when I discuss how Internet-based technologies and virtual reality sites such as Second Life can help them train employees as well as diagnose patients, my message is often greeted with skepticism. It is an understandable reaction (after all, the technology is fairly new), but I’d argue that it is wrong and providers who are refusing—or are reluctant—to embrace the technology are missing a grand opportunity to both save money and better assist their patients.

A wonderful case in point is this recent article from The Guardian. It is entitled ”Teenagers to take embarassing ailments to Second Life doctors” and it discusses how a health care facility in Spain recently launched a virtual portal in Second Life aimed at diagnosing young people who are too embarassed to speak to a doctor about sexually transmitted diseases.

To my mind, it is a great example of “jumping the curve” and embracing the future. Yet there is no reason why the technology should only be aimed at teenagers. As a middle-aged man myself, I know a great many of my peers would benefit from seeing a doctor more often but, for a variety of reasons, refuse to do so. The same is true for elderly people or patients located in remote rural areas. In each instance, virtual reality sites could be created that cater to the unique needs of these different demographics and entice them to receive medical information.

It is not my contention that virtual reality sites are a complete fix. I know many patients will continue to refuse to use the technology. Still, if smartly deployed and targeted at key constituencies, such sites can become a cost-effective weapon in delivering preventative health care information.

Interested in other health care-related posts? Check out these recent articles:

The Future of Health Care: Part 3 (Robotics)The Robot Will See You Now
Hospitals Robotic Future: Part 2
Hospitals Robotic Future: Part 1
Hospitals Get a Lift

Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business. He is also a frequent speaker on future trends, innovation, change management and executive leadership to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and associations.

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Stunning post. Kudos for putting this out.
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By Mike on 2009 02 25

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By Life Insurance Quote on 2009 06 04

Health care professionals are using the avatar-based virtual world Second Life for a variety of health care purposes, including hosting continuing medical education sessions, previewing technology proposed for medical centers being built in the near future and actually seeing patients for group or individual sessions.silver solution

By Terry on 2009 07 28

I agree with you. Internet-based technologies will be a lot of help in providing health care. for one, the information it holds would be priceless to health care providers. And the internet is a much better and easier way of communication especially during emergencies.
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By Insurance on 2009 07 31

I totally agree with the rest. But still, it is better to actually consult to a real health care provider so as to avoid any complications of whatever there is that needs to be treated.
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By Matt on 2009 07 31

Moving certain health care services to the internet is a good idea. I, for example, don’t understand why my medical records cannot be accessed online. But what the heck does this have to do with “Second Life”??? For example, when I want to do my online banking, I want to do it using simple and easy to use interface. Would walking through the maze of virtual 3D buildings and dealing with some weird avatars improve my banking experience? Heck no, it would get old and annoying in like 3 minutes. Insurance companies

By Mark on 2009 08 05

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By STD on 2009 10 27

I think banking in SL would actually be very cool. For example, I could ask questions to a real live person 24/7 instead of trying to figure out online banking interfaces that for some reason always “lose” my email alerts or require a 35 minute automated maze of a phone call – so I think it comes down to customer service and convenience. I mean, if I’m already in SL for my doctor’s appt, might as well swing by the bank to talk to my financial advisor! Life Insurance

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Today many poor people are dying due to lack of proper health care. In such case health care surely provides second life !
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By Tiara Thompson on 2009 12 03

Second Life is changing the way the medical world is thinking about training.  Clinical Scenarios was awarded a special mention and enables participants to learn and practice with medical technology in a safe environment where they could make mistakes, without risk to any real patients. In response to important concerns over patient safety and the reduction of medical errors, leaders in medical education have developed a range of specialized simulation tools that enable participants to develop their skills in key areas.
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By Lirra on 2010 01 23

Internet-based technologies will be a lot of help in providing health care. But the hospitals and associations are really keeping there eyes closed on the topic, because they think they will really lose their importance. I don’t think they are right.

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By Indiana Open Heart Surgery on 2010 02 02

You are absolutely right that, If smartly deployed and targeted at key constituencies, such sites can become a cost-effective weapon in delivering preventative health care information. But this should be taken in count, then only it can be applied.

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By raj shukla on 2010 02 02

The health care establishment need not only concern itself with robots for surgeries. There are ample other opportunities for the industry to employ robots.
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