The integration of Increased reality (AR) The way doctors and in telemedicine Health care Professionals can diagnose them and recommend appropriate treatment. However, many countries still have to explore the full potential of augmented reality due to a lack of awareness or adoption problems.
Whether it is for patient education, to provide diagnostic details or for any other timely intervention, AR can play a transformative role in telemedicine. It is important to note that if the health ecosystem achieves its full potential, AR technologies can be integrated today. While it is assumed that adopting AR is a costly affair, a closer look at the concept reveals that it is quite economical, especially when one achieves a scale economy.
In the field of healthcare, surgery, rehabilitation, education and training, AR applications are most common. Superimposition of images from MR scan, ultrasound or CT in real time helps in learning. Other AR applications in telemedicine include distance education and training of minimally invasive surgeries in the operating theater and rehabilitation of motor functions using virtual reality.
A.R. in Patient Education
Patient education is the bedrock on which healthcare is built and this is where technology can play a role, especially in telemedicine. Effective communication between doctor and patient is key to providing high quality healthcare. Historically doctors have used drawings and 3D models to explain in more detail about conditions, treatments or surgical procedures. With the advancement of technology, AR can make the process of dissemination of information more detailed during patient education.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a tool that is coming to the fore now, enabling doctors to educate patients in a healthier way. AR tools can play a crucial role in telemedicine, enabling the common man to have a simple explanation of anatomy and physiological mechanisms rather than just video consultation.
An important benefit of AR is to help patients and their families understand the details of the medical procedure in advance. This can help reduce patients’ anxiety. The ability to highlight and critique models for deeper understanding is another feature that can help in this regard. It can also be used for doctor-to-doctor interaction.
AR is assisting in critical interventions
Augmented Reality (AR) is the process of adding computer-generated information to a real-world user’s perspective. Augmented Reality helps users better navigate their ecosystem and takes users into a simulated world.
For example, HCP can convert 2D diagrams or brain models into interactive 3D animations that can be magnified, rotated, annotated, animated, zoomed in, and more closely than regular non-interactive tools. Can be examined in detail. They are still used today.
The ability to get process details from HCPs’ point of view is invaluable guidance and insight. These modules can be integrated and used for both OP and Virtual Care. With the incorporation of new technologies, AR has the potential to revolutionize the way HCPs diagnose, educate and treat their patients.
Advantages
- Detailed images, multiple angles and peer discussion are the main advantages.
- Detailed patient education
- HCPs can be used in peer discussions – for example, virtual tumor boards, Continuous professional development (CPD), medical colleges etc.
- Multiple angles and views
- Detailed images with zoom functionality
- Ability to add notes and descriptions
- It is affordable, especially when it comes to patient education
Barriers to AR adoption
- With short windows for consultation, time can be a limiting factor.
- The time it takes to turn on the device, select the image, explain the same to the patient, answer questions, etc. is a factor.
- Time to develop the model
- ROI can take a long time if developed by individual hospitals
- When tech devices like Google Glasses While healthcare can help increase the level of experience, it is relatively expensive
The next turning point in the adoption of AR Tech is its logical expansion into rehabilitation from the point of view of adoption for homecare, aging care, sports medicine and users / patients. From an HCP perspective, I think it should start with medical colleges where incoming HCPs are exposed to new technologies to make it easier for them to adapt early in their medicine careers.
By Pramod Kutty – CEO & Co-Founder, Connect 2 MyDoctor
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author only and are not required to be subscribed to by ETHealthworld. ETHealthworld.com will not be liable for any direct or indirect damages to any person / organization)
