When you look around an operating room, you see more and more advanced techniques from Philips such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Those techniques should help doctors treat complex, life-threatening conditions more efficiently. The workload of healthcare providers is lightened thanks to technology. This leaves more time for direct patient care and patients can be helped faster. With the latest technology, Philips is trying to address healthcare challenges such as staff shortages.
“AI, robotics and AR automate repetitive tasks and enable some actions remotely, leaving caregivers more time for direct patient care and improving care quality,” says Senior Architect at Philips, Jean-Marc Huijskens, Robotics refers to a powerful combination of AR/VR, artificial intelligence, process automation and smart devices, all communicating with each other.
An example of this innovative approach was recently shown in a news item at RTL News, which showed the application of augmented reality (AR) in the medical world. Doctors use AR glasses to view real-time images of a patient's body. It also allows them to experiment with treatment options. Doctors see detailed images that support them in diagnosing, planning and implementing treatments. This ensures that each step of the process can be performed very precisely.
AR for guidance and feedback
At Philips, AR is already being used in various ways in healthcare. One of the applications is an AR app for children aged 4-8 who must undergo an MRI scan. Through the app, children learn to understand what the procedure of the scan looks like and can better prepare themselves. This is done through Ollie the Elephant. It is a friendly virtual guide who explains to the children step by step what will happen.
In addition, AR is also used for feedback in the innovation process. Philips uses AR to offer doctors the opportunity to simulate a virtual operating room. With new setups or equipment, they can perform tests - also remotely. Huijskens says this is a big difference from the previous situation where they were only shown PowerPoint presentations about the possibilities. “In an almost realistic setting, we can test everything together with them, such as the position of screens in the room, the layout of buttons, and more,” Huijskens says. In this way, designs are optimized by user experience without the doctors actually having to be present during testing.
Positive outlook for healthcare
Whether it is supporting doctors in complex procedures, improving the patient experience, or speeding up the diagnostic process; AR and AI are becoming increasingly important in healthcare. By combining these technologies, Philips supports diagnoses and treatments, which can contribute to better care for patients. By the way, despite the positive experiences with AR and AI, the final judgment always lies with the physician.
