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Learn MoreWhat is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) differs from virtual reality (VR) in that it adds an extra component to one’s existing reality rather than being completely immersed in an alternate reality. Khor et al. (2016) explain that AR adds “artificial information to one or more of the senses that allows the user to perform tasks more efficiently. This can be achieved using superimposed images, video or computer generated models.” AR has the potential to be more accessible to the masses because a smartphone could be used to access this technology. For example, Pokémon Go had such great success because one could simply hold up their smartphone in their environment and see the addition of the virtual characters incorporated into their reality, like an additional layer of reality superimposed on top of what one already sees.
Augmented Reality Application Examples in Healthcare
Train Medical Students
Dr. Ahmed, mentioned in a previous blog post for the surgery he performed while using VR technology, also streamed live surgeries using the AR technology Google Glass, a HMD that looks similar to glasses. This allows students to observe surgeries online from the perspective of the surgeon (Davis, 2016). Google Glass was a popular example of AR until production stopped in 2015. Microsoft’s HoloAnatomy program utilizes the Hololens AR headset to train medical students by displaying real anatomical models into the room. This allows students and instructors to engage in learning in an entirely new, interactive way (Meskó, Augmented).
Start IVs
A start-up company named AccuVein is making placing an IV easier. AccuVein uses a handheld scanning device that utilizes AR technology to project over the skin, showing where the patient’s veins are. This prevents nurses from missing the vein when starting an IV (Meskó, Augmented).
The Future of Augmented Reality in Healthcare]
See-through Technology
A start-up company called MedSights Tech Corp is exploring the possibility to use AR technology to create 3D reconstructions of tumors. If this could be accomplished, surgeons would be able to have real-time, x-ray views of their patients (Meskó, Augmented).
Pharmaceutical Companies
The potential use of AR for pharmaceutical companies could change the way drugs are marketed. Using AR technology with a tablet or something similar, one could watch how the drug works in 3D rather than reading the drug label (Meskó, Augmented).
Digital Contact Lens
Google is currently working toward the development of a digital contact lens that would use AR technology. One feature they are hoping to successfully create in the lens is the capability to check blood glucose levels from a person’s tears, revolutionizing diabetes care (Meskó, Augmented).
As technological advances continue to explode around the globe, our lives are changing dramatically. As these changes affect many aspects of how we live, it is inevitable that they will penetrate the domain of healthcare and influence the way we educate and train healthcare professionals and treat patients. AR technologies have the potential to transform the way medical students learn, change how physicians understand and care for their patients, and produce an entirely different type of healthcare in the future. The rapidly changing technological advances that are occurring will require us to remain vigilant to what is on the horizon and be prepared to accept these changes and incorporate them into the practice of healthcare.
References:
Davis, N. (2016). Cutting edge theatre: world’s first virtual reality operation goes live. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/14/cutting-edge-theatre-worlds-first-virtual-reality-operation-goes-live#img-1
Khor, W. S., Baker, B., Amin, K., Chan, A., Patel, K., & Wong, J. (2016). Augmented and virtual reality in surgery—the digital surgical environment: applications, limitations and legal pitfalls. Annals of Translational Medicine, 4(23), 454. http://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2016.12.23
Meskó, B. (2017). Augmented reality will be revolutionary in healthcare. The Medical Futurist. http://medicalfuturist.com/augmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary/
This article is taken from our recent complimentary RQI-focused eBook, The Future of Learning: New Technologies Influencing Clinical Development. Download the eBook here.
HealthStream’s learning management system and comprehensive suite of competency management tools empower your healthcare workforce to deliver the best patient care.
View All Learning & PerformanceHealthStream offers performance learning management solutions to help develop your healthcare staff into leaders and reduce turnover.
View All ProductsHealthStream works with healthcare organizations to create engaging and high-quality training videos for your staff and management.
View All ProductsImprove care quality and save money by making informed decisions about your healthcare facility and staff with HealthStream's reporting analytics solution.
View All ProductsHealthStream's proven methods for the improvement and overall engagement of your healthcare staff foster a positive workplace and increase retention rates.
View All ProductsThe leadership development program from HealthStream helps mold your high-potential healthcare employees into proven leaders.
View All ProductsWhen you enact HealthStream's quality compliance solutions, you can do so with the confidence your healthcare organization will meet all standards of care.
View All Quality & ComplianceFulfill compliance requirements with a variety of programs and courseware designed to address critical regulatory requirements as well as educate staff to recognize and mitigate risks.
View All ProductsBy increasing your healthcare staff's focus on quality and safety with HealthStream, they can help to reduce medical errors and readmission rates.
View All ProductsLearn about what HealthStream's healthcare policy management software and how it can help aid your organization efforts.
View All ProductsHealthStream's education helps address diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization, as well as promoting health equity in the communities you serve.
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View All ProductsIn all areas of resuscitation, from neonatal to elderly care, clinical deterioration is a risk that can be avoided with the help of HealthStream's training programs.
View All ProductsHealthStream's EMS Program offers a comprehensive, CAPCE accredited EMS course library that meets National Registry annual recertification.
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View All ProductsThe suite of healthcare onboarding solutions available from HealthStream aids in nurse retention and improved patient outcomes.
View All ProductsGive your healthcare staff the decision support and skills training they need with the online products available from HealthStream.
View All ProductsHealthStream's solutions allow your healthcare workforce to be confident and competent with the knowledge they are upholding the highest of standards.
View All ProductsHealthStream’s learning management system and comprehensive suite of competency management tools empower your healthcare workforce to deliver the best patient care.
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View All ProductsPrecisely align staffing and needed resources to enable efficient patient flow and high-quality, cost-effective patient care.
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