Healthcare leaders, though, are taking interest in the technologies and are beginning to invest now, playing the long game. According to the report, in 2021 investors paid $198 million for U.S startups using virtual reality or augmented reality for healthcare and wellness, up from $93 million in 2020. However, this funding represents a small fraction of overall digital health funding, making up less than 1 percent of the total.
There are several companies experimenting with AR and VR for healthcare that have already formed partnerships with hospitals, such as ThirdEye’s AR glasses for first responders. These partnerships are not yet commonplace, but use cases can be expected to improve with time, according to Rock Health.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.