In recent years, innovation has become an integral part of business. Twenty years ago, people did not know what Digital technologies were and what they were needed for, but today it is difficult to imagine that successful companies can do without them. Digital technologies are firmly entrenched in our lives, they change our habits and preferences.

VR and AR technologies are under close attention. Previously, these technologies were associated exclusively with the entertainment industry and computer games, but today it is a valuable tool that successful companies use with obvious zeal.

Increasingly, they began to talk about the possibility of widespread use of VR and AR in medicine. Technologies help in the training of medical personnel, and are also used by physicians for the speedy recovery of patients from various diseases and injuries.

Literature review

The first mention of virtual and augmented reality occurred in the 60s of the XX century, when the first virtual stimulator “Sensorama” was patented, which was invented by Morton Hyling. The device was a bulky device that allowed the user to experience the experience of immersion in virtual reality.[8]

A study by the consulting company IndustryARC talks about the importance of using technology and augmented reality in medicine. The use of 3D effect, which helps to conduct a thorough examination of the affected part and helps doctors to properly plan critical operations. These technologies also cause anxiety disorders, and the technology also helps to overcome the fears that a person has.[9]

Fortune Business Insights research reveals an increase in demand for reality tools in the healthcare industry during the pandemic. Its introduction has helped medical staff understand and study the effects of the new strain. This technology shows the effect of disease on bodies.[7]

Methodology

The object of the research – NYU Langone Medical Center.

The subject of the research – VR and AR technology.

The hypothesis – The implementation of VR and AR technologies to medical centers increase profitability, benefits, competitive advantages and the efficiency of the company.

Primary data was collected through the survey, that was conducted among 20 people from Russia and the USA. The survey consisted of 5 multiple-choice questions.

The following methods were used in the research paper:

1. Theoretical methods: analysis, abstracting, generalization, comparison, induction.
2. Empirical methods: study of the information sources, analysis of the received information.
3. Quantitative research methods: Primary data were collected using a survey among 20 people.

Findings

VR, AR technologies are used in many areas of activity, such as: medicine, computer games, military industry, smartphone applications, cinema and television, retail.

Virtual reality allows people to completely abstract from reality and transfer consciousness to another world, by creating a moving image of another place and imitating sounds, there is a complete immersion in another digital environment. A person loses the feeling of being in the real world.[10]

Augmented reality is a related virtual reality technology, but there are coordinate differences. AR technology complements the real environment, rather than creating a new digital reality, technology creates a symbiosis between non-existent objects and a real place.[10]

In recent years, merged reality has been increasingly mentioned, which is a consequence of combining VR and AR to create an environment where physical and digital objects coexist and interact in real time.

Picture 1. Virtual, augmented and mixed reality. Source: extremetech.com

VR and AR technologies are used in many spheres. The active growth of the use of these technologies has been noticed in medicine. Technologies are used both in physiotherapy and surgery, and for the purpose of speedy recovery after the loss of limbs and psychological trauma. Technologies are also used to train medical personnel in the most complex operations.

According to the Indian research group Markets and Markets, in 2019 the market volume of virtual reality (VR) technologies in medicine amounted to $770.2 million, and by 2023 it should increase to $5 billion. The main drivers should be the spread of VR equipment in the healthcare sector, increasing investments and the need to optimize the cost of services, according to the study Augmented and Virtual Reality in Healthcare market – Global Forecast to 2023.[5]

By 2025, the use of VR and augmented reality (AR) technologies in medicine in terms of volumes ($6.1 billion) should take second place in the overall software market, right after the gaming industry ($11.6 billion), according to analysts of the American Goldman Sachs.

According to Fortune Business Insights research, the global virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market is projected to grow from $1,206.6 million in 2021 to $11,657.8 million in 2028 at a CAGR of 38.3%.

Picture 2. VR in Healthcare Market Size, 2017-2028.

Source: Fortune Business Insights Report.

According to forecasts, the largest market share will be occupied by applications for training doctors and medical staff. The second most promising field of application of virtual and augmented reality in terms of the possible degree of effectiveness is surgery. [7]

Figure 1. Importance of using modern and innovative clinics for customers.

Source: survey conducted by the author

Primary data were collected in a survey conducted among 20 people from Russia and the United States to better understand the awareness of patients about the use of VR AR in medicine.

For 5 out of 20 respondents it is very important to undergo treatment in a modern clinic, for 8 respondents it is also important, but it is not a decisive factor. 6 participants consider this a good plus for the clinic, but do not pay much attention to it. 1 the respondent does not consider it important to equip the clinic. fortunately, there were no respondents who were completely indifferent to their health.

Figure 2. Responders’ awareness of VR technology.

The survey has shown that 55% of respondents heard about VR technology, other 15% of respondents have not heard anything about VR, and 40 percent cannot give an exact answer.

Figure 3. Responders’ preferences of choosing type of clinic.

According to the data from the survey, the majority – 55% of respondents would prefer a clinic with innovative technologies. 15% prefer to abandon the use of innovations in medicine, and for the remaining 30% this choice does not matter much.

Figure 4. Responders’ opinion about VR technologies becoming a decisive factor in choosing a clinic.

The results of the following survey indicate that 40% of respondents believe that the use of VR technologies in medicine can be a decisive factor in choosing a clinic, the other 40% are not sure that these technologies can influence the choice of a clinic. The remaining 20% believe that the presence of VR technologies does not affect the choice of customers in any way.

Thus, it can be concluded that for more than half of the respondents VR technologies in medicine are an important, useful and interesting factor when choosing a clinic, which certainly indicates the importance of the spread of VR technologies in medicine. There were no people who were not interested in it at all, which also indicates the prospects of this direction.

One of the main players in the virtual and augmented reality market is NYU Langone Medical Center. The company is constantly investing in VR and AR developments in medicine and provides educational trainings for young specialists.

The main advantage of VR and AR technologies is the possibility of making mistakes in the simulation of the operation, because if you make an incision in the wrong place, you can try again, which is impossible in real life, that is why Langone Medical Center investing in technologies.[11]

NYU Langone Health is one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers. Medical Center offered online VR training to help busy hospitals and medical facilities as they were being crushed by large numbers of patients during the coronavirus pandemic. The technology helped medical professionals with real-time radio graphical insights, showcasing the impact of the disease on patients’ bodies. In most cases, COVID recovered patients suffer from Post-Intensive Care Syndrome. In such a situation, VR technology helps patients to recover from such syndrome through virtual rehab sessions.  Similarly, owing to the pandemic, the demand for online and interactive learning sessions increased drastically. For instance, the medical students faced challenges for practical sessions, as no available technology could offer face-to-face or clinical conditions such as education.

This would fuel the technology’s implementation in medical learning and training sessions. Virtual simulation-based training option suited best for the medical students during the pandemic. Thus, the onset of coronavirus significantly surged the virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market growth.

According to Medical Center data the number of people wishing to get an education and get a consultation using augmented and virtual reality increased by 80%. The number of mentions in the press and the Internet reached colossal figures. The medical center has become the most popular in America.

Company has several branches throughout the country, but technology is only represented in New York.

Company faced the number of problems:

• high demand and low supply
• the medical center did not have time to process requests
• some doctors refused to use VR and AR technologies
• lake of finance

Recommendations

NYU Langone Health should set up the logistics and management of the company. It is worth conducting a survey among the doctors of the centers and finding out who is interested in unlocking the potential of VR AR in medicine and conducting a conversation with them. As for the lack of funding, you can turn to the federal budget and ask for funding for the project, but this can take a long time.

Discussion & conclusion

Despite the growing popularity of VR AR technologies, the mass distribution of these technologies will be hindered by some factors.

So far, the price is another deterrent to the widespread use of VR/AR in medicine. (The price of Professional high-resolution equipment is $2500-3500. In addition, immersion in virtual reality causes motion sickness and nausea in some patients or students.

Another problem in the way of widespread use of virtual and augmented reality technologies is the conservatism of doctors.

The above problems are completely solved, but time-consuming.

Although VR/AR technologies are only taking the first steps in healthcare, the availability and variety of devices and software is growing, and it is safe to say that new technologies will be used more vigorously in the training of doctors.

Virtual and augmented reality, which will analyze what is happening, will help simplify the diagnosis and treatment of patients, reducing the likelihood of medical errors.

The virtual reality headsets and other hardware might challenge the technical limitation in the healthcare industry. In certain clinical settings, the system’s size might limit the operation. Similarly, for some healthcare centers, the available resolution and computer specification might act as a limiting factor. Also, as the industry has worked on the paper-based system for a longer period, the adoption of electronic medical records might require certain technical knowledge. This is likely to impact virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market share. However, as per the industry experts, these factors can be handled over a period.

The hypothesis of the article is partly proved, the use of digital technologies will lead to medical center visibility and sales increase, but it takes time and a lot of investment.

The Importance of STEAM in Independent Learning STEAM education transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, encouraging students to think holistically and apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Independent learning, when supported by STEAM technologies, allows students to:

Develop Critical Thinking: By solving complex, interdisciplinary problems, students learn to analyze information and make informed decisions.

Enhance Creativity: The inclusion of arts in STEAM fosters innovation and encourages students to think outside the box.

Build Technical Proficiency: Exposure to technology and engineering principles prepares students for careers in STEM fields.

Promote Collaboration: Many STEAM projects require teamwork, even in independent learning settings, through virtual collaboration tools.

Methodological Framework for Organizing Independent Educational Activities

To effectively organize independent educational activities based on STEAM technologies, educators should consider the following methodologies:

Project-Based Learning (PBL): Encourage students to work on long-term projects that integrate multiple STEAM disciplines. Provide real-world problems that require research, experimentation, and creative solutions. Example: Designing a sustainable city model using engineering principles, environmental science, and artistic design. 

Gamification and Interactive Tools: Use gamified platforms and simulations to make learning engaging and interactive. Tools like Minecraft Education Edition or Scratch can help students explore coding, design, and problem-solving in a fun and independent manner. 

Flipped Classroom Model: Provide students with pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, and resources to study at their own pace. Use classroom time for hands-on STEAM activities, discussions, and peer collaboration.

Personalized Learning Paths: Leverage adaptive learning technologies to tailor content to individual student needs. Use data analytics to track progress and provide targeted feedback. 

Incorporating Arts and Design Thinking: Encourage students to use design thinking processes to approach problems creatively. Integrate arts into STEM projects to foster innovation and aesthetic appreciation. 

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Utilize VR/AR tools to create immersive learning experiences. Example: Virtual lab simulations for science experiments or AR-based historical reconstructions for social studies. 

Challenges and Solutions. While STEAM-based independent learning offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges: 

Access to Technology: Not all students have equal access to devices and internet connectivity.  Teacher Training. Educators may lack the skills to effectively integrate STEAM technologies.  Student Motivation: Independent learning requires self-discipline, which some students may lack.

Solution: Schools can provide loaner devices and offline resources to bridge the gap. Offer professional development workshops and online courses for teachers.  Incorporate gamification and reward systems to maintain engagement.  Case Study: Successful Implementation of STEAM-Based Independent Learning

A high school in Finland implemented a STEAM-based independent learning program where students were tasked with designing a renewable energy solution for their community. Using online resources, 3D modeling software, and collaborative tools, students worked independently to research, prototype, and present their ideas. The program resulted in increased student engagement, improved problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of interdisciplinary concepts.

Conclusion. The integration of STEAM technologies into independent educational activities offers a transformative approach to learning. By adopting methodologies such as project-based learning, gamification, and personalized learning paths, educators can create an environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency. As the world continues to evolve, it is imperative that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex challenges, and STEAM-based independent learning provides a pathway to achieving this goal.