eGPLearning PodBlast-  Dr Keith Grimes & Medical VR Interview + Show Notes

In this episode of the eGPLearning Podblast, we interview Dr Keith Grimes, a GP and Medical Virtual Reality pioneer.

We talk about how Keith became interested in VR and how he has been using it in his clinical practice. We discuss the potential for VR in healthcare and also some of the pitfalls. Keith describes some of the projects and studies he is involved in.

Keith also explains how he built his skills to use social media to promote and build a community around his interest in Medical VR, and his tips for combining a career in healthcare with another interest or passion.

This is a great listen for your commute, on the treadmill or relaxing at home.

Enjoy...

Show Notes…

How to contact Keith and get involved in the Medical VR community:

• http://www.drgrimes.co.uk
• Twitter: @keithgrimes
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRDocs/
• http://www.drgrimes.co.uk/category/vrdoctor/

Keith’s first experience with VR was through the arcade version of  Dactyl Nightmare:

 https://youtu.be/v6t69mp0ZhE

Modern VR products such as the Oculus Rift are a much superior experience

Project CAR - Oculus Rift:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY6QRN6hI-Y&feature=youtu.be

Keith describes the 5 use categories for Medical VR:

1. VR as an adjunct to existing treatments - To improve pain and reduce anxiety during interventions
2. VR as a form of therapy - e.g. to treat phobias, anxiety, mental health problems
3. VR as a diagnostic tool - Eye tracking and assessing responses during simulations - e.g. eye tracking to diagnose Autistic Spectrum Disorders
4. VR for education and training
   1. Medical Realities: https://www.medicalrealities.com
   2. Shafi Ahmed: @ShafiAhmed5
5. VR expanding a patient's understanding - empathy - living in someone else's shoes. What's it like to have dementia.

 https://youtu.be/Zch3fg0orzo

Downsides and Risks of VR in medicine:

• Nausea and sickness - patients may unable to tolerate VR
• The intensity of experience not suitable for some
• Minimum Age, perhaps as low as 7 yrs
• Many application involve simulated violence - unsuitable for some
• Infection control - equipment needs to be sterilised between users

Keith’s current projects:

• PREVENT ICU Delirium - Psychological Resilience Using Virtual Reality Exposure as a Novel Therapy to reduce ICU Delirium