Letter: Impact of Neurosurgical Consultation With 360-Degree Virtual Reality Technology on Patient Engagement and Satisfaction

Abstract

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article published by Louis et al1 entitled “Impact of Neurosurgical Consultation With 360-Degree Virtual Reality Technology on Patient Engagement and Satisfaction,” where the authors propose the use of the technological tool of 360◦ virtual reality, which offers a didactic vision of the brain’s anatomic structures, as well as a reconstruction of the procedures to be performed, promoting the communication and perception of neurosurgical pathology, as well as patient satisfaction by improving their understanding of the dynamics of their disease. The offered model from the use of imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging), where high-resolution images are obtained, also allows patients and relatives to be educated about other associated entities with a high burden of disease, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and heart disease, which negatively impact on cerebrovascular integrity. Thus, better adherence to the treatment can be obtained because the magnitude of such pathological conditions is recognized. We are very grateful to the authors1 for providing this valuable evidence, which should be taken and replicated in all regions of the world, not only focusing on the neurosurgical disease but other specialties. However, the most surprising fact about this model is that it can simulate real-time treatments, showing the interactions between the surgical instruments and the anatomic structures involved.1 Besides, it is a noninvasive intervention with immediate results, which could be included in the future, as screening for the early detection of pathologies according to risk factors. This instrument has also been used to reduce the anxiety produced by certain interventions, finding positive results, when patients argue that understanding their disease allows to assimilate the diagnosis, prognosis, and decreased fear of side and/or adverse effects.2 It has been found that patients with dementia of varying degrees improve their cognitive function by participating in virtual reality activities,3 so it can also be considered as a preventive measure to prolong neurological integrity, promote the level of education in those with no basic or higher education, and encourage the development of new life skills, to maintain or increase the functional capacity of older adults. On the other hand, virtual reality is a very effective technique to optimize education and surgical planning.4 It is a fundamental tool that helps to distinguish difficult management cases, to evaluate possible intraoperative alternatives. Besides, it can be used during the training of medical students, who are looking for a surgical specialty. Despite the evidence supporting such relevance in the academic and clinical fields, its use in the aforementioned scenarios has not yet been implemented globally. In Latin America, it has been explained that it is necessary to make a change in the educational methodologies applied in medicine, focusing on the use of this type of technology, to strengthen more effectively the knowledge in basic and clinical sciences, as well as to encourage their use in care practice.5 Moreover, when in this region the burden of neurological and neurosurgical disease is very high, the advantage that would generate financing for this type of innovative ideas can be seen.6 In this order of ideas, it is a priority to invest in the development of these technologies in Latin American and Caribbean countries, to improve indicators of disease burden, professional and patient satisfaction, and confidence in the health services provided, as well as in technology and innovation, to establish a clinical practice of the best possible quality. Similarly, the use of virtual reality in medical training scenarios should be encouraged to boost progress in clinical research, as well as to strengthen surgical skills to respond to difficult-to-solve conditions today, and increase the survival rate in patients with a poor prognosis due to the lack of technology in this region.