Using Google Glass to view patients' vitals during surgery rather than glancing up at monitors can improve surgeons' performance and possibly patient outcomes, according to a new study from Stanford (Calif.) University School of Medicine.
Stanford researchers partnered with VitalMedicals to equip surgical residents' Google Glass with the VitalStream app that displays a patient's vitals in the surgeon's field of vision. The 14 residents then participated in simulated thoracostomy tube placement and bronchoscopy procedures on dummies, all using traditional monitors but with a randomized group having the additional help of VitalStream-enabled Google Glass.
The study found surgeons using Google Glass were able to recognize significant changes in patients' vitals earlier — critical desaturation was noticed an average of 8.8 seconds earlier by Glass-wearing surgeons during the simulated bronchoscopies, and hypotension was noticed an average of 10.5 seconds earlier during the thoracostomy tube placements. Recognizing these changes earlier can help improve patient outcomes, according to the researchers.
A survey of the residents showed a majority found Google Glass improved their awareness and was helpful in monitoring patients' vitals. Almost all the residents said Google Glass is easy to use and could help improve patient safety.
This is not the first time Google Glass has been brought into the operating room. Surgeons at North Kansas City (Mo.) Hospital and UC-Irvine Medical Center have been exploring ways to use Google Glass to increase surgical quality.
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Google Glass used in North Kansas City Hospital OR