Philips uses Google Glass to deliver vital patient data

Royal Philips and Accenture have announced the creation of a proof-of-concept demonstration that uses a Google Glass head-mounted display for researching ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of performing surgical procedures.

The demonstration connects Google Glass to Philips IntelliVue Solutions and proves the concept of seamless transfer of patient vital signs into Google Glass, potentially providing clinicians with hands-free access to critical clinical information.

The new concept demonstration depicts how a clinician wearing the display could simultaneously monitor a patient’s vital signs and react to surgical procedural developments without having to turn away from the patient or procedure. A clinician could also monitor a patient’s vital signs remotely or enlist assistance from clinicians in other locations.

“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, Patient Care and Clinical Informatics at Philips Healthcare.

Researchers from Philips’ newly created ‘Digital Accelerator Lab,’ a cross-sector innovation platform with labs based in the Netherlands and India, collaborated with researchers from Accenture Technology Labs to explore the potential use of Google Glass in clinical settings. The goal was to create the first proof of concept for Google Glass and Philips IntelliVue Solutions and then to begin exploring additional opportunities to integrate Google Glass seamlessly with Philips’ healthcare solutions.

Aside from the possibility of operating in a hands-free environment, the Google Glass IntelliVue Solution research effort was developed to explore how to enhance a clinician’s mobility by allowing the seamless transfer of patient information while on the go. Further research may indicate how to possibly enable clinicians and anaesthesiologists to keep their focus on the patient while simultaneously obtaining a live view of critical patient-monitoring data.