Ethical issues associated with the use of virtual reality in medicine

Abstract

Due to improvements in the medical techniques used, virtual reality technologies are increasingly used to treat various diseases. Simultaneously, various ethical issues emerged. Knowing exactly what problems the treating physician and the patient may be facing is important to increase the effectiveness of therapy. This will help minimize or at least prevent negative consequences. A qualitative secondary study was conducted on the ethical issues arising from the application of virtual reality technologies in treatment. Papers suitable for analysis were searched using the keywords “virtual reality”, “ethical issues”, and “medicine”. The works of the last 10 years were selected, most of the sources being at most 5 years old. After analyzing papers and studies which describe the experience of applying virtual reality technologies in medicine, the range of ethical problems that are currently relevant was determined most accurately. Firstly, the vulnerability of patients is evident, which arises from the realism of the avatars and the deep immersion in the virtual world. Without the physician’s supervision, the patient may experience a high degree of psychological pressure, which has a negative effect. Secondly, strong emotional involvement is possible, which may develop attachment to the artificial intelligence and cause derealization, depersonalization, and other mental disorders. Thirdly, active interaction with the virtual world may be accompanied by long-lasting effects, such as gaming disorder. Finally, patients may have difficulties in distinguishing between reality and simulation, which affects autonomous choice and compromises informed consent. Virtual reality technologies may potentially change the lives of trauma patients and improve their quality of life. However, these changes are accompanied by ethical issues that must be addressed with respect to the vulnerability and nature of trauma.

Keywords

virtual reality / medicine / ethics / ethical issues / treatment

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