What contributions could the metaverse bring to health systems?

Health systems are faced with major challenges that put them under pressure to meet users' expectations. These include the increasing complexity of access to qualified human resources and the limitation of financial resources that can be invested. As such, the metaverse could offer solutions to these challenges. In this commentary, we discuss the possible fields of applica- tion and contributions of the metaverse to health systems. The identified fields of application include training to strengthen the skills of health professionals, the provision of care to improve the quality of services, communication to facilitate information sharing between different stakeholders, and research to opti- mize participants' adherence and safety. However, the metaverse can also have negative effects on the people who use it, as well as those who benefit from it. This may include cybercrime, and harm to physical, mental, and social health. Evaluative studies are thus necessary to measure the extent and conditions of its applicability.