Virtual Reality Researcher Creates Prostate Exam Simulator

A researcher has created equipment that is already assisting some medical students in the field of urology. Dr. Benjamin Lok, who is also director of digital arts and scientific programs at the University of Florida, was the lead developer of a simulator that can help a lot of people.

Dr. Lok's creation is made up of a pair of buttocks, which contain a set of sensors that measure pressure during the exam to verify the student's ability with the diagnostic process. In addition, this part is connected to a screen where a virtual patient interacts with the student.

Although the image (below), which shows the researcher using the system, has become a joke on the Internet, the equipment was really created for a serious matter: prostate cancer detection. And there's nothing funny about that, right?

Less anxiety

We all know that the prostate exam is a somewhat tricky time for men from the age of 40, but it can also be tricky for doctors in the early years of practice.

Among men, the constant jokes serve as a relaxation and even as a defense to face the examination, which can be a little uncomfortable, although quick and necessary for the good of male health.

For doctors, it is essential that it is as natural as any other exam, and indeed it is. However, the simulator also serves as a way to practice the procedure and lower the anxiety of medical students on their first exams.

Virtual procedure

Dr. Benjamin Lok specializes in virtual reality as well as human and digital interactions, and used all of his knowledge to work with a team of students to create the simulator.

To be used, the system works as a type of medical video game, which has a specific purpose of diagnostic improvement. Using it, the user can talk to the patient - who was named after Patrick - during the exam.

The patient even responds and expresses to the examiner how he is feeling about the procedure and may even show fear or concern. With this, the future doctor is able to practice his skills more realistically and also establish a training in communication with the patient.

As stated above, the mannequin has sensors in the orifice that measure the pressure within it and the examiner receives real-time feedback. According to Dr. Lok, this serious project was funded by the National Science Foundation and aimed to explore whether virtual humans can provide anxiety reduction and improve skills in training experiences for medical students.

The equipment has been tested at Drexel University and the University of Florida with promising results. So much so that Dr. Lok intends to make simulation compulsory in all medical courses with specialization in urology and proctology.