Cardiologic Training
Cardiologic training is a vital part of medical care, from the layman at home trying to save a loved one with CPR, to the EMTs, ICU professionals, and skilled heart surgeons who need the most advanced information and hands on knowledge. Because of its critical status in healthcare, cardiology uses some of the most advanced technology and sophisticated visualization systems to teach cardiologic practice. Defibrillation equipment and EKG data are examples of ways manufacturers and developers have created specific tools for cardiology.
Augmented reality is an innovative visualization system with the capability to mesh computer graphics and real time data through a camera lens. This way, users can receive simulation
experiences that are vivid and compelling, with interactive features that make the experience more immersive and interactive than previously possible. Apple and Android released their respective AR platforms, named ARKit and ARCore, and this development will vastly expand the availability of augmented reality applications. AR applications can be developed to address a myriad needs, and will be available to anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or augmented reality eyewear.
DDA is a leader in VMS, or virtual medical simulations, and we introduced our first AR project in 2009. We can see the many benefits augmented reality holds in store for new applications to serve the medical industry, especially in the field of cardiology.
Need
Augmented reality cardiologic training applications will be able to advance training methods for a wide variety of compentancies. The ubiquity of the smartphone makes it possible to develop simulations for CPR training to the largest possible pool of trainees, and the advancements in simulation graphics and associated features allows for a higher standard of immersive training. Simulations of even greater sophistication can be developed for advanced students and prospective surgeons within accredited programs for hands-on experiences that ground abstract concepts and provide valuable training in a no-risk environment.
Benefit
Simulation experiences have been found to accelerate learning and enhance retention of the material. Hands-on training is proven to be more valuable in practical skill development than conventional study. Augmented reality applications can be developed to serve the wider audience with the potential for certification in basic life support and CPR. VMS applications that incorporate Augmented Reality can provide more vivid and detailed experiences for prospective surgeons with zero risk and liability, yet fully engage professionals in real world scenarios they are likely to experience in their practice.
Concept
Application concepts for cardiologic training can be broken down to several audiences, and several levels of detail and sophistication, but all users will be able to access apps through their smartphone or tablet. AR eyewear is becoming increasingly adopted as a way to enhance the immersive and interactive quality of the experience. Photorealistic graphics can alter the view from your camera and adjust it to the needs of a set of programmed simulations. Trainees can focus on the type of cardiologic training suited to their skill level and education requirements. Virtual avatars can act as guides during a process, and virtual 3D objects can be programmed to provide sensory feedback like heft, and virtual buttons and switches that respond to user input. Known as haptic intelligence, this feature of augmented reality allows for trainees to engage with virtual equipment and instruments in a meaningful and convincingly interactive way. While not a native feature to AR, pressure sensitive screens used in association with mobile apps allow simulation experiences to have 3D virtual objects with corresponding sensations of touch through the AR interface. Real-time interactivity with dynamically updated graphics makes it seem like you are engaged in a tactile as well as a visual experience for a more memorable and engaging training session. Dynamically updated text, charts, operational arrows, as well as audio prompts, allow for a completely immersive informational environment, with the ability to introduce layers of information in a seamless real time format.
DDA is a medical AR app company with a long list of satisfied repeat clients in the healthcare and medical field, and we are skilled with the creation of innovative solutions that prove their value over time. Whether the project requires database development, elearning and certification, 3D modeling and animation, graphic design, multimedia, and/or any type of custom software design and programming, DDA is ready to take on the challenge. We do all of our work in house and do not outsource to other parties. This vertical integration allows DDA to contain production costs and maintain control of the production process through all development stages. DDA's studio is conveniently located just outside of Philadelphia, and we have established a skill set unmatched in AR custom software application development. We received the Tabby Award for the Best Healthcare iPad App of 2012, and we strive to exceed our clients' expectations. If you would like to discuss our concepts for augmented reality cardiologic training, or if you have another idea you believe is well suited to AR development, contact us today.
