Health Care Trends With a Social Media Twist

Will Augmented Reality Change the Face of Health Care?

On Wednesday Google teased a new video for Project Glass, an application that allows users to experience augmented reality through glasses. While the video (below) focuses on the day to day functionality of the device, there are important implications of the glasses in health care as well.

Imagine a doctor walking in to patient’s room. Instead of picking up a chart to read his medical history or looking at a screen to check his vitals, the doctor engages an application in augmented reality and instantly has access to the relevant information. MHealth Insight has a great visual representation of what this could look like on their blog:

In addition, Project Glass could skyrocket the way patients use mHealth. Although consumers are already becoming more empowered through mHealth, augmented reality would increase it dramatically. Imagine walking down a pharmacy aisle while looking for an allergy medication. Instead of wondering and worrying if it will negatively interact with a medication you currently take, you use your glasses to get that information instantaneously—problem solved.

Augmented reality also has big implications for rural areas. For patients who may not have the resources or the ability to reach a doctor in person, Project Glass would allow them to quickly and easily video-chat with someone who can help them remotely. Oh hello peace of mind, it’s nice to meet you!

Personally, I would love to be able to look at a plate of food and have my glasses instantly provide me with nutritional information. Then having the ability to share that with my friends for a bit of inspiration and support (step away from the cheeseburger!).

Google is inviting interested users to follow Project Glass on Google+ to learn about the latest updates and provide suggestions for the development of this technology.

What do you think? Is augmented reality the next big thing in health care?