# VR Stroke Diagnosis Systems Qualcomm's 'Think F.A.S.T.' Trains Doctors on Stroke Symptoms By Joey Haar | Published 2017-10-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think-fast References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/26/think-f-a-s-t-is-a-vr-app-designed-to-help-diagnose-stroke-patients/?ncid=rss) & [digit.in](https://www.digit.in/vr-ar/qualcomm-think-fast-platform-aims-to-train-medical-professionals-in-a-virtual-reality-environment-37771.html) For doctors, reading about symptoms in textbooks is only so effective as compared to getting first-hand experience, and Think F.A.S.T. is a new program designed to provide the latter without having to actually have ailing patients at the ready. The [VR program](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spatial-computing-simulator) puts [medical students and young doctors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamified-rehabilitation-system) in virtual scenarios through which they can assess whether the digital patients are exhibiting the symptoms of a stroke. Think F.A.S.T. derives its name from FAST, an acronym that doctors use as shorthand for stroke symptoms: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, [Speech difficulties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revoice), and Time to call an ambulance. In other words, if patients have the first three symptoms, then it's an emergency and it's time to take action. VR offers a cost effective way for doctors and other emergency personnel to get the experience that they need to perform when real people's lives are on the line. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **VR Medical Training:** Think F.A.S.T. uses VR scenarios to provide effective training for doctors and medical students on stroke diagnosis. - **Digital Patient Assessment:** Think F.A.S.T. allows doctors and medical students to assess virtual patients exhibiting stroke symptoms without risking real patient health. - **Remote Medical Education:** Using VR technology, Think F.A.S.T. provides a cost-effective solution for remote medical education and training. ### Where This Applies - **Healthcare:** VR medical training has the potential to transform healthcare education, providing doctors and nurses with effective learning opportunities. - **Emergency Services:** The use of digital patient assessment through VR has the potential to transform emergency services training and response. - **Technology:** The growth of VR technology creates opportunities for innovation in medical training and education, leading to improved patient outcomes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spatial Computing-Powered Training Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/injection-simulator.md) - [VR-Powered ADHD Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-eyetracking-game.md) - [Virtual Reality Medical Training](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simx.md) - [VR-Based Pain Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smileyscope.md) - [Stroke Recovery Wearable Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-earpiece.md) - [Early Diagnosis Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machinemd.md) - [VR-Powered Therapeutic Treatments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vrpowered-therapeutic-treatments.md) - [Back Pain-Focused VR Therapy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appliedvr.md) - [AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality Therapies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-therapy.md)