Ohio University to host patient-centered virtual reality experience for area health care providers

Submitted by JPlottner on June 26, 2019 - 4:09 pm
Participants see life through a patient's eyes during a virtual reality experience

Through virtual reality experiences created by the Ohio University (OU) Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, doctors and nurses are seeing life from the patient’s perspective, developing a stronger understanding of social and cultural barriers that prevent people from accessing the care they need. 


The interactive simulations address social determinants of health and health equity for Medicaid enrollees as well as increase awareness of implicit bias in healthcare. They were created in partnership with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and five other Ohio medical colleges. 


On Saturday June 29, the Diabetes Institute and medical school at OU will present the “Using Virtual Reality to Visualize Diabetes in Appalachia” conference, introducing health care providers to virtual patient Lula Mae Tate, a 72-year-old female from Meigs County living with Type 2 diabetes.

 

Through 12 simulated sessions, participants will experience the health care system through Lula Mae’s eyes including visits with her doctors and pharmacists, her transportation struggles and balancing family needs with her own self-care. 


You too can see what life is like through a patient’s eyes by registering for one of two free sessions June 29, 2019 at the OU Medical School Building, Grosvenor West 111. 


This training, as well as those offered by the participating medical colleges, are expected to reach more than 900 Ohio Medicaid providers by June 30.