Masters Thesis Defense “Use of Virtual Reality Technology in Medical Training and Patient Rehabilitation” By Sankalp Mishra

Committee:  Drs. Yong Pei, Advisor, Mateen Rizki, Co-Advisor, and Paul Bender (Ohio Dominican University)

ABSTRACT:

Coaching patients to follow the rehabilitation routines correctly and timely after surgery is often a challenge due to the limited medical knowledge of patients and limited availability of clinicians. Similarly, it is also a challenge to train medical professionals with both the technical and communication skills required in their practices. The recent emergence of VR technologies shines light on improving the current training practices. In this thesis research, I will look at the development and application of VR-based immersive training games for two particular cases: 1. Post hand surgery rehab; and, 2. Training for Social determinants of health (SDOH) for medical professionals.

Particularly, I have developed two training modules. One will help patients to carry out their rehabilitation independently without having to run around to different clinics after their surgery. Assessing, coaching, progress tracking and reporting can be effectively carried out by the artificial intelligence enabled virtual coaching module based on the evidence collected and produced through its sensory system. The progress can be observed remotely by their doctor and therapists and further treatment recommendation can be provided accordingly. Secondly, I have developed an immersive VR game module that focuses on providing training for medical professionals on social determinants of health. It provides first-person view immersive experience for the doctors to better understand their patients with significantly different social and economic backgrounds, leading to better healthcare quality for these patients.