The first results of testing with the Gemvision cloud solution for the use of smart glasses in healthcare by ZuidOostZorg have been positive. This cloud solution gives healthcare professionals on the shop floor real-time access to remote knowledge via smart glasses, with the aim of improving the quality of care. For example, a home care worker can have a specialised wound nurse watch in real time via the glasses.
Gemvision is a cloud solution for communication between healthcare professionals. The solution is compatible with various Android-based smart glasses. The software is standard compatible with the Vuzix M400, Blade and M300XL. Gemvision reports that the solution also runs on other Android-based smart glasses, such as the Vuzix M100, ODG and Google Glass. However, as these smart glasses are outdated, no support is provided for use on these devices.
In terms of computing power, Gemvision recommends using the Vuzix M400. Healthcare organisations wishing to use other smart glasses can contact Gemvision for this, which can customise the solution accordingly.
Giving instructions in real time
The smart glasses linked to Gemvision are worn by an on-site healthcare professional, such as a home care employee. They can have a specialised professional watch via Gemvision. These specialists can watch along live via a cloud solution and give instructions, for example by drawing on the image.
Users can also use their smart glasses to take photos, capturing what they see. These photos can be viewed via Gemvision's dashboard and, for example, provided with additional instructions, which users in the field can then use immediately. Those watching via the dashboard can also zoom in on the live images. This without the intervention of the professional in the field, who often has his hands full with other tasks.
Users themselves determine the image quality they use in the process. Gemvision stresses that the cloud solution ideally always offers HD-quality images. However, in some cases this is not feasible and it is necessary to adjust the image quality to make the solution deployable. For example, if healthcare professionals are in locations where internet (capacity) availability is limited.
Tested by ZuidOostZorg
Commissioned by ZuidOostZorg, the SmartGlass was tested by Human Technology students Lotte Grovenstein and Tsgab Habtemariam of Friesland College in different situations and locations. The results of these tests were recently presented to a broad representation of ZuidOostZorg. Among others, psychologists, (wound) nurses, technical service staff and trainers were present.
Roelfien Erasmus, programme manager for technology at ZuidOostZorg and responsible for experimenting with new innovations at the organisation, reports data the reactions from attendees were enthusiastic. "The possibilities are endless and the longer you think about them, the more they become. All sorts of ideas came up right away!", Erasmus says.
Sharing expertise in the healthcare supply chain
Among other things, the smart glasses can help share expertise in the care chain. By allowing users to literally look along with each other, the glasses encourage cooperation and the use of each other's expertise. Erasmus: "But you could also use such glasses for remote coaching and training of employees, or for the technical department that wants someone to watch," she says, emphasising that there are many more possibilities. Gemvision gave SouthOostZorg the chance to explore all aspects of the glasses. "That's nice," Erasmus says, "that in such a cooperation you can look for the possibilities together."
ZuidOostZorg director Simone Meertens is convinced that technology can and will make a difference in healthcare. "Smart technology can support the care we provide to our clients, it is important to experiment with it properly," Meertens said. The director stressed that as a healthcare and knowledge organisation, SouthOostZorg wants to test new innovations properly before deploying them in practice. "Technology must be proven supportive and contribute to better care, only then will we go ahead with it," Meertens said. "As far as we are concerned, working smarter is one of the answers to the major challenges in healthcare. That is also the reason why we are participating in the project Anders Werken in de Zorg Friesland (Different Working in Care Friesland). In this collaboration of healthcare organisations care, we are working on technological applications for long-term care."
ZuidOostZorg will in the coming period investigate whether the glasses can actually be applied in practice to ideas discussed during the presentation.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: Students Lotte Grovenstein and Tsgab Habtemariam with the SmartGlass during presentation ZuidOostZorg (source: ZuidOostZorg)
