eGPLearning PodBlast- Dr Keith Grimes & Medical VR Interview

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 health care with another interest or passion.

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

Enjoy…

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Show Notes…

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

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

Modern VR products such as the Oculus Rift are a much superior experience Project CAR – Oculus Rift:

Keith describes the 5 use categories for Medical Virtual Reality:

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

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
- Does VR pre-experience of intensive care unit reduce incidence and severity of postoperative delirium – about to begin small-scale study.
“See What I See” – Kent and Surrey trial service
- Use of “Expert Eye” based on Google Glass, to allow Doctors to remotely visit care homes. Carer wears smart glass and is provided with remote expert support by a GP.