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RACS ASC 2025
The use of virtual reality in Burns management and education
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Institution: Royal Darwin Hospital - Northern Territory, Australia

Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) is an example of new and advancing technology that has been gradually incorporated into the field of medicine and surgery. There are many published and early examples of its possible application in patient education, training of clinicians, as a communication tool as well as diagnosis and treatment. This review describes the utilization of AR and application in the field of burns. A search was undertaken of multiple databases including Pubmed, Cinahl Plus, Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus using the terms “augmented reality” OR “virtual reality” AND “burn”. Results included randomised control trials, systematic reviews and pilot studies. Applications for AR/VR included improved outcomes in rehabilitation for hand burn injuries in children, alleviating pain during dressing changes for children. Earlier studies show the efficacy of simulation in providing training regarding acute surgical interventions and burn wound assessments. Limitations of VR include logistical barriers, certain modules available are challenged by their duration which in practise, do not match the duration of the dressing change hence limiting their practicality. Existing research shows the utility of AR in training clinicians in a protected environment without risk of compromising patient care. Newer studies have greater implications in the potential for AR to have a role in the assessment, management and rehabilitation of burn injuries. It appears to be particularly effective in the paediatric population.
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Dr Caroline Lam -