Patient Care through the Metaverse? Exploring Challenges and Opportunities in the New Digital Environment

Authors

Merve Turan Akdag, Technical University of DarmstadtFollow
Nihal Wahl, Technical University of DarmstadtFollow
Ria Saha, Technical University of DarmstadtFollow

Abstract

Digital innovation is at the forefront of transforming healthcare, particularly through the metaverse, which enables new forms of interaction between patients and medical professionals. Despite the promise of the metaverse, there remains a need for in-depth research on its application in remote medical counselling. Our qualitative study, involving 34 participants, explored the relevant factors with a focus on expectations and hindrances. Our key results reflect both the positive and negative outcomes of integrating the metaverse into patient care. Understanding the relevant factors of the metaverse in the context of remote medical counselling can help ensure that needs-oriented medical services are available to anyone, anywhere in the future.

Recommended Citation

Akdag, Merve Turan; Wahl, Nihal; and Saha, Ria, "Patient Care through the Metaverse? Exploring Challenges and Opportunities in the New Digital Environment" (2024). ACIS 2024 Proceedings. 91.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2024/91