Google Glass Helps Deliver Real-Time Patient Data

A proof-of-concept demonstration verifies the concept of seamless transfer of patient vital signs into Google Glass, potentially providing physicians with hands-free access to critical clinical information.

The purpose of the demonstration, undertaken by Royal Philips Electronics (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and Accenture Technology Labs (Dublin, Ireland), was to explore the potential use of the Google Glass head-mounted display in clinical settings, using Philips IntelliVue Solutions and other Philips healthcare solutions. A doctor wearing the display simultaneously monitored a patient’s vital signs and reacted to surgical procedural developments, without having to turn away from the patient or procedure, as well as enlisting assistance from doctors in other locations.

Additional future research topics could include accessing a near real-time feed of vital signs in Google Glass; calling up images and other patient data by clinicians from anywhere in the hospital; accessing a presurgery safety checklist; giving clinicians the ability to view the patient in the recovery room after surgery; conducting live, first-person video conferences with other medical personnel; and using Google Glass to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of performing surgical procedures.

“We live in a world where being nimble is key and industry-altering ideas need to be converted to practical solutions that people can use,” said Michael Mancuso, CEO of patient care and clinical informatics at Philips Healthcare. “This research explores how doctors can achieve better access to the right information at the right time so they can focus on more efficient and effective patient care. It’s a first step in researching how existing technologies can be applied to improve the quality of life of patients.”

“Accenture’s work with Philips showcases a powerful use of wearable devices in the healthcare industry, helping physicians perform their jobs more effectively and enhancing care for patients,” said Paul Daugherty, chief technology officer of Accenture. “This exciting work highlights the potential of digital technologies to transform the way we work and live, and we’re pleased to have collaborated with Philips to help bring this vision to life.”

Google Glass is being developed by Google (Menlo Park, CA, USA) with the mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer that displays data in a smartphone-like hands-free format that can interact with the Internet via natural language voice commands. The wearable computer comes with a camera, GPS, Bluetooth, microphone, and optical head-mounted display (OHMD) that sits unobtrusively in the corner of one lens of a pair of glasses.

Related Links:
Royal Philips Electronics
Accenture Technology Labs
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