The Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center has an interesting new rehabilitation project in Second Life’s virtual world called “AVESS” (Amputee Virtual Environment Support Space). Soldiers abroad who find themselves an amputee typically spend weeks or months in rehab afterwards, away from their friends and family back home. Then when they do return home, they find themselves isolated from their support system of therapists, psychologists, and friends. The in-world AVESS attempts to allow these soldiers to interact with their family Virtually, and then attend presentations and group activities inworld once they return home.
When wounded warriors return home, they face long term care and recovery, often isolated from their family.
TATRC is now developing the Amputee Virtual Environment Support Space on the Second Life Enterprise platform as a virtual clinic where amputees, their families and healthcare providers connect to supplement care and improve the quality of life of patients.
Currently available inworld as a test proof-of-concept, DOD requirements will put the official version in the SL Enterprise space (behind DOD firewalls and security controls). Overall, it looks amazing and powerful, if it catches on.
via YouTube – Sneak Peek: The Amputee Virtual Support System [coming soon to SL Enterprise].
Wonderful use of such a great and important application, and really well presented. Great work all around. And Thank you Viz for this great story!
@Liz Dorland (Chimera Cosmos) Thanks for the compliments. I always enjoy my time inworld, just wish I had more!
Thanks for continuing to comment on fabulous projects in Second Life. So much of the blogosphere and the press doesn’t “get it” so it’s great to see your continuing engagement. Visit us on Jokaydia anytime. (http://jokaydia.com for our cool landlady)