Conference Participation Report: Medicine Meets Virtual Reality (MMVR) 19

International Association of CyberPsychology, Training & Rehabilitation (iACToR)

Medicine Meets Virtual Reality (MMVR) 19 February 9-11, 2012 Newport Beach, California

At the 19th Annual Medicine Meets Virtual Reality Conference (MMVR19) held on February 9-11, 2012 in Newport Beach, California more than 300 participants from 20 countries presented and assessed groundbreaking developments in simulation, modeling, imaging, robotics and other emerging tools for patient care and medical education. Conference organizer Aligned Management Associates, Inc. (AMA) have organized the 3-day conference since 1992 to focus on improved precision, efficiency, and outcomes in patient care, practitioner training, and public health. This year, AMA invited physicians, surgeons and other medical professionals interested in emerging tools for diagnosis and therapy to attend and present their research.

In addition, included in MMVR19’s scientific program was an opportunity for attendees to discuss their Virtual Reality (VR) modalities in medicine, mental health, rehabilitation, robotics, engineering, biomedicine and education. Many mental health providers met to share their efforts using VR and advanced technological approaches in clinical and research settings.

Members of INTERSTRESS (Interreality in the Management and Treatment of Stress-Related Disorders) and the International Association of CyberPsychology, Training & Rehabilitation (iACToR), as well as board members from C&R and the Journal of CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation, were in attendance during conference proceedings, and enriched the meeting with their contributions and presentations on their current lines of research.

A notable presentation was given during the Physical & Mental Health Application symposium which included a presentation from iACToR’s President Giuseppe Riva on “The Effects of a Mobile Stress Management Protocol on Nurses Working with Cancer Patients: A Controlled Study.” Regarding his presentation, Riva said, “Oncology nurses face extraordinary stresses that may lead to emotional exhaustion, a feeling of emotional distance from patient and burnout. This presentation … [demonstrates] a significant improvement in affective change in terms of anxiety trait reduction and coping skills acquisition at the end of the protocol.”

A spokesperson from AMA, Inc. remarked at the conclusion of the conference, “Our thanks to everyone who participated in MMVR19/NextMed! The conference was definitely a success. We received numerous compliments on the program, its relevance, focus, and engaging diversity. We extend particular gratitude to all who shared their research to make the program valuable.”