Google Glass Offers Unique Opportunity for Telemedicine

In the modern practice of healthcare, computers have become as common as aspirin. It was just a matter of time before they physically became part of the healthcare professional’s personal attire. Enter Google Glass, a Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth capable, voice-activated camera and visual display that looks like a hip pair of glasses. The device responds to verbal commands to get directions, check headlines, call a friend or take a video and post online.

While the general population is finding myriad uses for the computerized spectacles, the medical profession is just as excited about Google Glass. While the makers of Google Glass are not specifically marketing the product to the healthcare industry, the lightweight, hands-free, wearable technology could revolutionize patient care by providing real-time patient care data, expanding collaboration, reducing medical errors and improving training. Possible scenarios include:

• An overlay of protocol checklists could assist healthcare providers when conducting emergency procedures, especially timed events such as CPR. Incidents can also be recorded for review.
• Using an overlay of a patient’s electronic care report, a nurse can confirm a medication before administering it to the patient, avoiding a potential medical error.
• Procedures can be recorded and incorporated into the patient’s record.
• Physicians in rural hospitals can confer with specialists around the world in real time.
• Out-of-hospital providers can confer with a patient’s physician regarding issues or care plans while with the patient, involving him or her in the process. Images of the patient and potential hazards can be recorded and captured.
• In the prehospital setting, EMTs and paramedics can send streaming video from the field to an emergency department physician who can view the trauma scene for mechanism of injury. In the case of a multi-casualty incident, video from the scene may assist local hospitals preparing for patients.
• Electronic patient care records can become available to all caregivers, from emergency responders to hospitals, and can be updated in real time to include major changes in the patient’s condition. It could be particularly helpful for EMTs and paramedics responding to an unconscious patient. With the patient’s records, the providers can see if there is a history of diabetes, seizures, strokes or brain trauma. Other critical information could include allergies or recent hospital stays or procedures.
• A physical therapist can call up past sessions with a patient, identifying changes, as well as progression. Copies of these reports can be added to the patient’s medical record.
• Live streaming of procedures can be used for training purposes, especially critical procedures such as emergency intubations. One advantage of Google Glass is that, unlike a camera, it is less intrusive and there is less concern about infection control. Since it records the procedure through the eyes of the wearer, it provides the perfect camera angle for instructional purposes.
• It can generate immediate access to tutorials to refresh a provider’s memory during seldom-used procedures.
• The technology can serve to protect healthcare providers in cases of liability and provide accountability.
• Google Glass can even assist patients by reminding them to take medications.

Even though Google Glass isn’t specifically available for use in the medical field, third-party service providers are already beginning to develop add-ons. Dentyzion has introduced the first Google Glass loupe for dentist and surgeons. OneDX offers a software platform for sharing patient medical reports such as exams, reports and images. Augmedix is working on a clinical application to allow healthcare providers to view patient care reports directly on Google Glass.

Some hospitals are already piloting projects involving Google Glass. Rhode Island Hospital in Providence is said to be the first hospital in the nation to officially test Google Glass in a real-time emergency setting. The six-month pilot is limited to emergency department patients with skin conditions. Beginning in March, physicians could send a live streaming feed of a patient’s condition to remote specialists for a consultation. To address patient privacy concerns, only patients who sign a release are included in the pilot.

In May, the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine announced it will be providing Google Glass devices to third- and fourth-year medical students for use in the operating room emergency department and rotations. First- and second-year medical students will use the technology to study basic science courses and clinical courses.

The University of Arkansas cardiologists are using Google Glass to provide expert supervision of complex procedures.

As with any new technology, there are challenges that must be addressed. Primary among these is a concern for privacy. Efforts will need to be made to encrypt data to conform to HIPAA regulations. Not all patients will be thrilled to see that their healthcare provider is “wired." Some workplace issues may need to be addressed regarding recording employees. Finally, the cost may be an issue for some. The Google Glass Explorer became available to the public in May for $1,500.

Although the initial introduction of Google Glass has been focused on its social function, the healthcare profession has quickly recognized its potential for application in the medical field. If so, Google Glass could offer a vision of fundamental change, enhancing telemedicine by improving quality, safety and efficiency of patient care.

Teresa McCallion, EMT-B, is the associate editor of Integrated Healthcare Delivery.