The International Symposium on Metavers and Health: an event rich in discussions and solutions

Posted April 16 2024

On April 8, 2024, the International Symposium on Metavers and Health was held at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, a major event bringing together over 250 participants and speakers. Several International Innovation Hubs were also present. The event attracted experts from diverse backgrounds, including Professor Yoshua Bengio, as well as innovators and global industry leaders, all passionate about the rapidly evolving field of Metavers technology applied to healthcare.

Organized by Quartier de l’Innvoation en Santé – QIS and DHIT (Digital Health Institute for Transformation), the symposium offered an in-depth exploration of the various applications of alternative realities on individual and collective health, highlighting research advances and the transformative potential of new technologies as part of a vision of global, preventive and sustainable health. The varied presentations and interactive workshops stimulated essential reflections and sparked important discussions on the benefits and risks associated with the use of these technologies in healthcare.

Many thanks to all the participants and speakers who helped enrich the initial discussions on this important topic that inhabits and has a major influence on our daily lives.

5 key points to remember:

Virtual and augmented reality can significantly enhance training programs by providing immersive, interactive experiences.
The metaverse has advantages in the context of rehabilitation and clinical environments, offering unique possibilities for therapy and rehabilitation.
The growing use of technology among young people, particularly social media, could increase symptoms of depression, inattention and eating disorders. It is therefore important to take action and develop policies to protect the mental health and well-being of young people.
Artificial intelligence offers immense potential in healthcare, with considerable benefits to be gained from its progress. However, ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks are essential to guide its responsible use.
Awareness and education about the use of new technologies and their impact on health is essential for the general population, as well as healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.

External links for more information: