Homo digitalis

virtual reality in health care and education

Authors

  • André Luiz Schuh Teixeira da Rosa Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4677-3562
  • Daniel Tornaim Spritzer Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7408-6252
  • Nino Cesar Marchi Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6999-8118
  • Andressa Goldman Ruwel Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9006-2309
  • Lara Helena Zortea Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA). Faculdade de Medicina - Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil.
  • Félix Henrique Paim Kessler Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7059-2564

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/1984-4840.2021v23i3/4a8

Keywords:

empathy, educational technology, virtual reality

Abstract

Homo digitalis refers to the man modified by technology. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality allow us to see the world from the perspective of others, being called the “empathy machine”. VR can be used in psychiatry and medical education to promote empathy. A narrative review was conducted on the Medline and Embase platforms, Google Scholar, article reference lists, and technology websites. Articles in English and French were selected, with no time limits for the search. A review of 66 references demonstrated that VR could generate positive cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes, especially in relation to individuals from different groups. Immersive narratives with VR facilitate empathic understanding, putting the user in the perspective of another person. VR is also associated with applied games and functional brain activity studies, indicating potential to generate positive behavioral changes. Larger studies and clinical trials are needed to validate outcome effectiveness and ensure safe and ethical use of the technology. The review demonstrated
promising results and an optimistic view of VR as a tool for generating empathy and promoting mental well-being.

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Published

2023-08-17

How to Cite

1.
Rosa ALST da, Spritzer DT, Marchi NC, Ruwel AG, Zortea LH, Kessler FHP. Homo digitalis: virtual reality in health care and education. Rev. Fac. Ciênc. Méd. Sorocaba [Internet]. 2023Aug.17 [cited 2024May20];23(3/4):110-4. Available from: https://revistas.pucsp.br/index.php/RFCMS/article/view/62700

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 3/4 (2021)

Section

Original Article

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