Issue link: https://emsworld.epubxp.com/i/336320
I n 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 computer- ized 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 con- ducting emergency procedures, especially timed events such as CPR. Incidents can also be recorded for review. ■ Using an overlay of a patient's elec- tronic care report, a nurse can confirm a medication before administering it to the patient, avoiding potential errors. ■ Procedures can be recorded and incor- porated into the patient's record. 8 Integrated Healthcare Delivery July 2014 www.ihdelivery.com TECHNOLOGY TODAY Google Glass Offers Unique Opportunity for Telemedicine Technology provides benefts for EMS and hospitals Teresa McCallion, EMT-B, is associate editor of Integrated Healthcare Delivery. Teresa McCallion, EMT-B By Teresa McCallion, EMT-B IHD_08-09_TechToday0714REVISED.indd 8 6/17/14 10:23 AM