Establishing Medical Extended Reality Labs Within Healthcare Institutions: A Nationwide Perspective

The use of extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, has the power to transform the health care field and revolutionize medical education through its wide-ranging applications. Though the potential benefits of XR technologies are clear, the establishment of medical extended reality (MXR) Labs remains multifaceted and challenging. This work sought to better understand the process by which MXR Labs are established, the challenges faced, and ultimately the integration of the MXR technology into clinical practice. A qualitative approach was taken as focused interviews were conducted with directors from established XR research labs and centers. Thematic analysis of the interviewee responses examined the motivations for establishing an MXR Lab, the potential for MXR in health care, and the relationships between MXR Labs and industry. The resistance to MXR technology adoption and the challenge of funding during MXR Lab establishment were also explored. By providing insights into the process of establishing MXR Labs, this work seeks to help future stakeholders navigate potential obstacles more effectively, leading to a smoother path for the integration of MXR technology into medical education and clinical practice.