Virtual Reality in Medicine: Enhancing Patient Experience and Improving Outcomes

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Mireia Cigarrán, CEO and founder of VRPharma, an innovative company using virtual reality to transform patient experiences, particularly for children and adults undergoing medical procedures. Mireia shares her journey from industrial and chemical engineering to founding VRPharma, driven by her personal experiences as a mother witnessing her child's distress during medical treatments.

The conversation explores the remarkable impact of VRPharma's platform, which boasts a 99.4% patient recommendation rate. Mireia discusses the challenges of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into healthcare, including financial constraints, regulatory barriers, and resistance to change. Despite these hurdles, VRPharma has conducted multiple clinical trials demonstrating significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and stress for both patients and healthcare staff.

They delve into the diverse applications of VR in healthcare, from pediatric care to adult oncology and ICU units, highlighting the emotional and economic benefits of VR technology. Mireia emphasizes the importance of tailored content for different age groups and medical needs, ensuring the effectiveness of VR therapies. This episode offers a compelling look at how VRPharma is revolutionizing patient care and advancing the future of healthcare technology.