Metaverse in healthcare: a systematic analysis of diagnostic efficiency and virtual clinic applications

Abstract The integration of technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital twins is shaping a new era in healthcare through the Metaverse. This immersive and intelligent environment holds promise for improving diagnostics, remote care, and patient interaction. This paper presents a systematic review of Metaverse applications in healthcare, with a focus on diagnostic efficiency, virtual clinics, and real-time simulations. A structured literature search across databases including PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect led to the inclusion of 82 relevant studies published between 2015 and 2024. Findings highlight that VR/AR platforms enhance medical training and diagnostics, while digital twins and AI models support personalized treatment and monitoring. Blockchain ensures secure and decentralized management of health data. However, challenges such as cost, latency, ethical concerns, and regulatory gaps remain. This review synthesizes current trends and proposes a structured framework for Metaverse-driven healthcare systems. It concludes with key insights into future development, including interoperable systems, improved AI integration, and the need for clinical validation.