Augmented Reality has a plethora of use cases in Healthcare. In this article we will explore some of the use cases as well as provide evidence of companies and products that are solving for these problems right now!
Surgery: AR can be used to help surgeons plan and perform surgeries. For example, surgeons can use AR to overlay 3D models of the patient’s anatomy onto the patient during surgery. This can help surgeons to see more clearly and to avoid damaging sensitive tissue. A great example of this would be the Intravision XR.
Minimally invasive surgeries: AR can be used to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgeries. For example, the company Augmedics has developed an AR headset that overlays 3D images of the patient’s anatomy onto the surgeon’s view of the operating field. This allows surgeons to see more clearly and to make more precise incisions.
Medical Recordkeeping: AR can be used to help nurses and other healthcare professionals deliver care. For example, the company Vuzix has developed an AR eyewear that can display patient information, medication instructions, and other important data. This can help healthcare professionals to provide more efficient and accurate care.
Medical training: AR can be used to train medical students and professionals. For example, medical students can use AR to practice procedures on virtual patients. This can help them to learn the skills they need without having to practice on real patients. Link.
Patient education: AR can be used to educate patients about their conditions and treatments. For example, patients can use AR to see a 3D model of their anatomy or to watch a video of a procedure. This can help them to understand their condition better and to feel more confident about their treatment. Link.
Telemedicine: AR can be used to provide telemedicine services. For example, a doctor can use AR to see a patient’s home environment and to interact with the patient in real time. This can help doctors to provide better care to patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty traveling to see a doctor. Link.
Drug discovery: AR can be used to help researchers design new drugs. For example, researchers can use AR to visualize the structure of proteins and to identify potential drug targets. Link.
Mental health: AR can be used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. For example, AR can be used to create virtual environments that can help patients to relax and to cope with their symptoms. Link.
Pain management: AR can be used to help patients manage pain. For example, AR can be used to create virtual reality worlds that can distract patients from their pain. Link
Rehabilitation: AR can be used to help patients with rehabilitation. For example, AR can be used to create virtual environments that can help patients to regain their mobility. Link
Visual Impairments: AR can be used to help people with visual impairments navigate their surroundings. For example, the company OrCam has developed an AR device that can identify objects, read text, and recognize faces. Link.
Autism: AR can be used to help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn social skills. For example, the company AutismSees has developed an AR app that helps children with ASD learn how to make eye contact, read facial expressions, and understand body language. Link.
Alzhiemers: AR can be used to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia stay engaged and connected with their loved ones. For example, the company Waypoint has developed an AR app that helps people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia remember their loved ones and their past. Link.
Self Care: AR can be used to help patients manage their own health. For example, the company MyTherapy has developed an AR app that helps patients track their medication adherence, symptoms, and other health data. This can help patients to stay on top of their health and to communicate more effectively with their healthcare providers. Link.
Chronic Conditions: AR can be used to help patients with chronic conditions manage their symptoms. For example, the company Omada Health has developed an AR app that helps patients with diabetes track their blood sugar levels, food intake, and exercise. This can help patients to stay on top of their condition and to avoid complications. Link.
In Closing, the usage of AR in healthcare is already deep, in addition to more use cases to come as the hardware becomes cheaper and the software becomes more precise. If you know of any great companies or products that I missed, then let me know in the comments below!
TJ
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