The pharma industry is hesitant about the Metaverse — for a good reason. However, it might be worth watching sympathetically because the Metaverse could be a place where knowledge becomes tangible. Every third company wants to invest in the Metaverse. Focused on the pharmaceutical and medical industry, 17 percent of those surveyed still believe the Metaverse is worth investing in. The industry is observing the development but is still cautious about its activities. Too many points are still unclear about data protection and the strict regulations to which healthcare providers are subject. A protected area is required for Indegene, a provider of technology-based healthcare solutions.
Creating a “private metaverse” outside of the public space and zeitgeist of the Metaverse would potentially create a hidden bubble for interactions. “It wipes out permitting general access or putting the application in a focal, public area.” along these lines, it’s equivalent to adding an application to a telephone without placing it in the Apple Store or downloading Play Store. “The application may be available to clients if they are predefined as a feature of the ‘bubble’ and the application is opened for them,” the organization’s site states. Whatever the future may look like, the pharmaceutical industry is well advised to familiarize itself with the topic now and, if necessary, actively help shape the Metaverse. There are already some user cases and mind games that could give a glimpse of what might be possible in the Metaverse. One of the more concrete is the virtual hospital Aimedis.
Aimedis Avalon: The Virtual Hospital
The Dutch company Aimedis is planning a virtual hospital.” Aimedis Avalon will empower clients to associate, connect, restore and treat across existence in unfathomable manners,” the organization’s site peruses. Different establishments, associations, and experts ought to have the option to offer and promote their administrations here. Furthermore, virtual training opportunities are planned as part of the Aimedis Virtual Health University. The virtual hospital wants to introduce several immersive learning tools and processes. Unfortunately, the company was not available for questions.
Metaverse And Pharma: Virtual Learning
In a white paper, Indegene has developed other cases in which the Metaverse could play a significant role. Technology, they say, is a game changer in education and training. This could also continue in the Metaverse. In addition, the pandemic has made society a bit more digital. Virtual meetings have become the new standard. This could play into the hands of learning in the Metaverse because, in addition to the advantage of decentralization, it could offer a protected space and, thanks to the use of avatars, simulate personal contact. But for which training courses is the Metaverse suitable?
Role-Playing Games For Field Service
Efficient and promising: Sales reps could test their skills in a virtual medical practice as part of an onboarding process and train their communication with doctors in role-playing games. Further training courses could also take place in this form, through (VR) glasses.
Gamification For Field Staff And Product Managers
How does the cardiovascular system work? How does an atherosclerotic disease affect it, for example? The Metaverse could be a reasonable basis for immersive training programs that clearly explain medical processes. Pharmaceutical companies could playfully implement this in escape rooms or guessing games. This makes it easier to learn and possibly more sustainable.
Training And Detailing For HCPs
Product managers and field staff could bring doctors closer to their products in the Metaverse and clearly explain how they work. Communities of practice and KOLs could come together in the virtual space, exchange ideas, discuss best practices, introduce new ones and maybe even try them out. New interaction options underpin binding doctor communication because they could add value to the HCP.
Training And Therapy Support For Patients
How does my illness affect my body? What does this mean for my lifestyle? What do I have to change? The Metaverse could help patients understand their indications at a micro level. This, in turn, could increase adherence to therapy. If I know exactly what I have, I might be more likely to follow my doctor’s recommendations. Pharmaceutical companies could provide physicians with these protected spaces in the Metaverse, allowing them to better engage with patients.
The Metaverse can offer pharmaceutical companies various opportunities to improve interactions with doctors and patients. The area of learning and teaching could be one of the first areas that should become interesting for the pharmaceutical industry. But all of this requires a protected and safe space and the acceptance of all users. That will be the big hurdle the industry will have to clear.
Also Read: Digital Transformation: The Most Common Causes Of Failure
