2018年-_188NK~M

Deloitte: Digital Reality in Life Sciences and Health Care

Core Content Overview

This document from Deloitte explores the growing role of Digital Reality (DR), including Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), in the life sciences and health care sectors. It outlines the potential applications, market growth, and challenges associated with these technologies, emphasizing their transition from consumer entertainment to enterprise and clinical use.

Main Points and Key Information

Definition of Digital Reality (DR)

• Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive digital environments that replace the user's real-world view, often in 3D.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Overlay of digital content onto the real-world environment.
• Digital Reality (DR): An umbrella term encompassing AR, VR, mixed reality, 360-degree, and immersive technologies.

Applications in Health Care

• Patient Education and Therapy:

  • VR and AR can help patients understand their conditions or treatment plans.
  • Used in therapies for opioid addiction, phantom limb, phobia, cancer, and pain management.
  • VR can be used for Alzheimer’s patients to improve memory through visualization and engagement.

• Clinical Use:

  • AR allows real-time visualization of medical images (e.g., CT scans) over a patient's body, improving surgical planning and execution.
  • VR is used for surgical training, offering immersive experiences that reduce errors.

• Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:

  • AR and VR can enhance remote consultations, allowing better patient engagement and visualization of their conditions.
  • These tools can improve the quality of routine checkups and support patient self-management.

• Training and Education:

  • Medical schools and training programs are incorporating VR and AR into curricula.
  • Examples include virtual cadavers and AR-enhanced smartphones for anatomy practice.

• Health Plan and Wellness:

  • Health insurers are using AR and VR to promote preventive care and wellness programs.
  • 3D avatars can show the long-term benefits of lifestyle changes.
  • Gamification can encourage physical activity and compliance with therapy.

Market Outlook

• By 2025, the AR and VR software market is projected to reach $35 billion, with over $5 billion allocated to health care.
• The virtual patient simulation market is expected to grow at 20% annually, reaching $1.5 billion by 2025.
• Hardware and software adoption is increasing rapidly, similar to the early growth of smartphones.

Opportunities for Life Sciences Companies

• Patient Engagement: DR tools can enable at-home therapy for chronic conditions and rare diseases.
• Remote Monitoring: Integration with AI and NLP can enhance clinical trial data collection.
• Training and Compliance: AR and VR can support SOP training, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and reduce logistics risks.
• Innovation in Business Processes: These technologies can improve R&D, commercial, and operational efficiencies.

Challenges and Risk Considerations

• Regulatory and Payment Issues: As adoption grows, regulatory approval, coverage, and payment models become more critical.
• Technical and Cost Barriers: High-end computing resources and infrastructure are needed for VR, while AR may require device and network support.
• Cybersecurity Risks:
  • DR systems interact with data, environments, and users, increasing cybersecurity complexity.
  • Risks include physical harm, data breaches, simulation sickness, and operational disruption.
• Security by Design: Developers should embed security protocols from the start, and organizations should integrate DR into their overall security strategy.

Examples of AR and VR in Action

• Miami's Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Used VR to map a baby's heart before surgery.
• AccuVein: AR app that helps locate veins for IV placement.
• VIPAR + Google Glass: Allows remote surgeons to guide procedures using AR.
• ProjectDR: AR system that projects medical images onto a patient's body.
• ImmersiveTouch: VR surgical simulation with haptic feedback that reduces errors by 54%.
• Smart Contact Lenses: Being tested for glucose monitoring and eye correction.

Conclusion

• AR and VR are reaching a tipping point in health care, transitioning from novelty to essential tools.
• Early adopters are leading the way, and as these technologies become more accessible and familiar, they will drive widespread adoption.
• Organizations should prioritize risk management and pilot projects to evaluate the value of DR in their operations.

Authors

• Health Care Providers:

  • Tim Smith
  • Josh Nelson
  • Shaun Rangappa, MD
  • Carlos Amaya
  • Michael Kleinmann

• Health Plans:

  • Jason Wainstein
  • Michael Montalto
  • Priyank Pandey

• Life Sciences:

  • Todd Konersmann
  • Robert Maul

Endnotes

• References to studies, reports, and case examples support the claims made in the document.