Metahealthcare: A Survey on Metaverse Through Healthcare (Preprint)

Abstract

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> In recent years, the metaverse has gained significant momentum, offering profound prospects for transforming numerous sectors, especially healthcare. This emerging field, which we term "Metahealthcare" (MH), promises to provide users with functional and immersive health services. However, a comprehensive and structured overview of the components, challenges, and future of MH has not yet been established. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive definition and overview of MH. We aim to propose a systematic, multi-layered framework that clarifies the roadmap for MH development, detail its core components, review the leading implementation challenges identified in existing literature, and present a vision for the future of healthcare in the metaverse. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> We conducted a systematic review of existing literature from six major academic databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect). A multi-phase selection process was used to identify relevant primary studies, which were then synthesized to develop the foundational framework and analyze key trends and challenges. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> We define MH as the virtualization and visualization of all types of services and knowledge related to user health. We propose a foundational four-layer framework for MH consisting of: 1) the Communication Network, 2) Infrastructure (including devices and sensors), 3) Core Technologies (such as AI, XR, IoT, and Digital Twins), and 4) Content and Services. Within this structure, we provide a detailed examination of the technologies, applications, and primary challenges. Furthermore, a future vision of a fully realized MH ecosystem that integrates the key characteristics of the metaverse is proposed. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> The proposed four-layer classification of MH provides a novel and structured framework that can serve as an essential reference for future research and development in this field. This roadmap is crucial for guiding the systematic and cohesive advancement of the metaverse in healthcare. </sec>

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