Five healthcare organizations in Oregon are teaming up on a virtual care initiative that uses augmented reality and telehealth technology to support first responder-physician communication when delivering patient care, according to local NBC affiliate KMTR.
As part of the pilot program, the participating organizations received seven AR headsets and iPhones, which allow clinicians to use their computer and communicate with first responders by voice, text message and/or video. The clinician can also share their computer screen with the first responder, who can use the AR headset to view information such as the patient's list of medications.
The organizations involved in the pilot include Bay Area Hospital, North Bend Medical, both located in Coos Bay, Ore., as well as Bay Cities ambulance, Coos Bay Fire Department and Avamere Rehabilitation.
Physicians can also use the technology to virtually examine the patient in real time, according to the report.
"If a physician wants a better look at a certain area, the physician can circle it on the screen and I can take a look at it," said Jeff Iles, a community paramedic with Bay Cities Ambulance.
Throughout the one-year pilot, the organizations will maintain periodic check-ins and data collection to establish the program's success and aspects that require changing.