Introduction to a Global Health Issue
Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population lacks access to many common, protected surgeries. This staggering statistic highlights a big gap in global healthcare, where many individuals are unable to receive the surgical care they need as a consequence of various barriers, including a shortage of expert surgeons and limited access to resources.
Bridging the Gap with Telemedicine
One software company, Proximie, is using telemedicine to attempt to help fill this gap. Proximie is an modern application designed for mobile devices that permits a surgeon in a single location to view the operative field and supply instruction within the operating room at a special location. This platform relies on the concept of getting two mobile devices, one in each location, equipped with a camera for viewing and a screen/microphone setup for communicating.
How Proximie Works
The distant “assisting” surgeon can guide the case with commentary or screen markings, using augmented reality, to direct the operating surgeon. This form of recommendation could be very helpful to a surgeon who has a basic skill set and equipment to perform a procedure that they might have never seen before or performed on their very own. Even an experienced surgeon who encounters a difficult or different a part of a case could seek an intraoperative seek the advice of with this software.
Real-World Applications and Similar Technologies
The technology has already been used to guide surgery performed within the Gaza strip with assisting surgeons in Beirut. We’ve also seen others use augmented reality to assist in surgeries, equivalent to several groups testing Google Glass for cardiac procedures, using the device to permit experts in a selected procedure to supply real-time advice.
Educational Uses and Future Potential
The technology will also be used as an academic tool. Proximie is developing several educational uses for the platform, allowing medical students or residents in training to intercept feeds or view at a later date, enabling secondary instruction and education. The Proximie platform, and similar applications, have the power to enhance multiple areas of healthcare, expanding access to surgical care and enhancing the abilities of surgeons worldwide.
Conclusion
Proximie’s modern use of telemedicine and augmented reality has the potential to make a big impact on global healthcare, bridging the gap in access to protected surgeries and improving educational opportunities for medical professionals. As this technology continues to evolve and expand, it might play a critical role in addressing the pressing issue of limited access to surgical care, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes for people all over the world.
