VR in Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness

By Mohammed Akel (Spring 2023) 

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been used in several ways to aid pandemic prevention and preparedness efforts. These efforts include, but are not limited to: training of healthcare workers and students,  remote and immersive collaboration and communication,  development of drugs and treatments., facilitating everyday rhythm and contactless, mental health and well-being as well as simulations and modeling. The section below summarizes some of the systematic reviews conducted on the intersection between Virtual Reality technology and pandemic prevention and preparedness







There is a number of other studies available online. Pubmed, Embase, and other scientific databases are good places to start from. Overall, VR/AR technology can be a valuable tool in pandemic prevention and preparedness by providing a safe, immersive, stable, and resources-efficient way to train healthcare workers and students, educate the public about transmission and mitigation measures, facilitate remote communication and collaboration between teams and centers, monitor, track and simulate the spread of a pandemic, and promote mental health and wellbeing during times of stress and uncertainty.  


For more information on how VR technology was used during the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the "VR & COVID-19 Pandemic."