Dubai Health explores VR technology for reduced pain in medical procedures

A study and implementation programme will be conducted at the Thalassemia Centre.

Dubai Health has announced its plan to explore virtual reality (VR) technology to improve patient care across its hospitals and healthcare centres.

The initiative will be conducted through a study and implementation programme at the Thalassemia Centre to explore the use of VR technology to minimise pain and anxiety during needle insertion procedures for patients.

The study, led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), will utilise measurements including eye movement tracking and heart rate to assess the technology’s effectiveness.

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“Throughout my years at the Thalassemia Centre, we have explored numerous modalities to alleviate the pain of our patients,” Dr. Fatheya Abbas Al Khaja, director of the Thalassemia Centre, said.

“This programme epitomises our Patient First promise to provide a more comfortable and anxiety-free experience, not just for the patients, but also for their families who witness this process.” Al Khaja added.

Moreover, Dubai Health plans to extend the technology’s application into the medical procedures of its Al Jalila Children's Hospital and Latifa Hospital.