A tech-savvy hospital in Boston has been reportedly implementing the use of Google Glass to get quick information about the patient, medical reports and other vital information. According to an article on Ars Technica, they have developed a custom information system, which allows them to use the high-tech glass to scan QR codes on the wall of each room to identify the patient and his/her medical information.
Dr John Halamka, CIO of Berth Israel Deaconess Medical Center described on his blog that they have developed a prototype, which uses the Google Glass, which features a video camera, screen, speaker, mic, touchpad and motion sensor. When a doctor scans the QR code on the wall of the room, the Google Glass immediately sends all information about the patient in that room, which appears on the doctor’s screen. This helps when the patient is being examined by the doctor, who has all information about the patient, such as vital signs, lab results, problems, reports, etc., as he is communicating with the him.
The medical center has been using this application for almost three months now and is making it available for all doctors who are interested.
During the beta period, the team made various changes and implementations, which include the battery, wireless power, headset pairing to the iPhones, head tilting for scrolling, and much more.
Doctors pleased with the gadgets stated that it helped them cut down massive time involved in checking the data on their iPads and computers as the data was immediately available on their screen while having eye-contact with the patient. Loss of time retrieving critical information and lab reports, history (such as allergies and alike) made treatment to the patient quicker and helps save lives.
Halamka also mentioned that the Google Glasses would be rolled out within two weeks, and the wearable device will help replace tablet-based computing for many clinicians who need their hands to be free and also get instant access to medical information.
