Google Glass – the technology that could have far-reaching implications for information technology in general and information technology for healthcare.

What is Google Glass? It is a computer that you wear, like glasses, with a display that is mounted to your head. It can be voice activated, meaning that you do not need to use your hands to operate it. Google Glass displays information similar to that of a smartphone. It can interact with the Internet through voice commands. It has a camera, enabling it to take pictures and videos.

Although still in the testing stages, health experts are predicting that it could have a big effect on healthcare. Healthcare experts cited a number of examples where Google Glass could have a large impact.

Applications for Doctors

A surgeon in the operating room, for example, using Google Glass, could see a list of items and images for his patients, or he could share what he is seeing with another physician to help reach a diagnosis or assist on a procedure.

An anesthesiologist could use the Google Glass to display vital signs that usually appear on monitors. When doing rounds, a physician could use Glass to call up a patient’s chart for viewing.

Some are predicting Google Glass will eventually become as commonplace in medical settings as the computer is now, because it allows people to free up their hands. They can access all kinds of information without interrupting whatever they are doing. A surgeon prepping for an operation, for example, can view information without interrupting his preparations.

Further into the future, as technology advances, there could be a host of applications for Google Glass. As a physician is looking at someone’s arm, for example, Glass could provide an image of CT scan data. Like an X-ray, Glass could incorporate different views.

A dermatologist who is examining a rash could use the Glass to compare what he is seeing to a database of dermatological information and come up with a diagnosis.

As prevention and wellness become more important, the potential for devices such as Glass will really explode, according to some public health experts.

Boundless Opportunities

In fact, some experts say it is too early to tell yet what uses Glass may be put to. It may have applications not envisioned by its inventors, just as devices like the iPhone and Android exceeded the uses envisioned by their creators, with thousands of unforeseen applications.

If your hospital or medical facility needs professionals skilled in the applications of cutting-edge tools such as Google Glass, call a recruiter at Morgan Hunter Healthcare. We look forward to hearing how we may be of service.

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