Abstract

Extended Reality (XR)—encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—has emerged as a transformative technology in the domains of telehealth and remote surgical training. This review critically examines XR’s growing integration into clinical practice, with a focus on system interoperability, advanced haptic feedback technologies, and the implementation of virtual patient safety protocols. XR platforms offer immersive, real-time environments that replicate complex medical procedures, enabling high-fidelity surgical simulation and improving procedural accuracy. Interoperability between XR systems and telehealth infrastructures remains a challenge due to disparate standards, data formats, and latency issues. Meanwhile, recent advancements in haptic systems have enhanced tactile realism, allowing trainees to gain precise motor control and procedural confidence. Additionally, virtual patient safety frameworks—such as real-time error tracking, biometric monitoring, and protocol-driven interventions—are essential to ensure clinical accountability and reduce training-associated risks. The paper synthesizes findings from current implementations, evaluates technical constraints, and proposes a roadmap for scalable, secure, and clinically validated XR deployment in healthcare education and remote surgery.