University of Findlay’s College of Health Professions is the first academic program in the United States to incorporate a new augmented reality technology, developed by MediView XR, Inc., in their hands-on Sonography Program curriculum.
MediView, an Ohio-based medical technology company partnered with GE Healthcare and Microsoft, works to advance healthcare through intuitive visualization powered by augmented reality, remote collaboration, and evidence-based insights. According to MediView, these technologies are “intended to synergistically improve medical imaging, clinical efficiencies, patient outcomes, and access to high-quality modern medical services.”
Adam Rakestraw, chairman and co-founder of MediView XR, Inc., explained, “MediView’s technologies allow sonographers to put their screen anywhere they want. There are differentiated ergonomic benefits to the user by putting their screen in their direct line-of-sight with their hands and the patient, and it’s much more intuitive.” Rakestraw noted that augmented reality is the foundation for this technology. Augmented reality uses computer powered glasses that project images, such as an ultrasound, on a user’s view of the real world while still allowing the user to see and interact with their environment. This technology is expected to explode into a multi-billion-dollar industry in the coming years and is “being utilized in education and healthcare in ways that are expanding every day,” he said.
University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., stated, “I am delighted with this break-through opportunity for our students in the health professions. The MediView team members are impressive, and we are honored to work with them. We are also thankful for the UF donors who have supported the acquisition of these and other transformative technologies for our students and programs.”
The University of Findlay has the unique opportunity to be the first higher education institution to obtain this technology. “You’re not going to see this technology in any other sonography, nursing, or physician assistant schools – University of Findlay is the first and we appreciate their partnership on this journey to bring solutions to the bedside that will expand access to care,” said Mina Fahim, MediView CEO and President. “It’s the University’s commitment to technology that really drew us to establish this partnership. The University of Findlay partnering now with a cutting-edge company like MediView, that’s a global leader in this space, reflects of their commitment to students.”
“We are extremely excited and can’t wait to see all the benefits that will come from the addition of this technology to the program,” said Susan Watters, D.H.Sc., assistant professor of sonography, director of sonography programs, and chair of the Diagnostic Services Department. “Our Sonography Program is very fortunate that UF and MediView can provide this opportunity for our students.” The University will be implementing MediScout (XR30 model) in the Sonography Program’s curriculum for students to gain experience with technology that will soon become mainstream in the industry. “As technologies continue to expand, these students will already have first-hand experience as they go into their careers,” Fahim stated. “Educating students on the technology and having them be able to deliver healthcare remotely and collaboratively through augmented reality has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in many ways.”
All students in the University of Findlay’s Sonography Program will receive training on the MediView system so they’ll be familiar with it before going into a clinical setting, which will make them more prepared when they enter the workforce after graduation. Dr. Watters explained augmented reality will soon be making appearances in sonography professions from intervention specialists to the emergency room and ICU. “Our students will have the benefit of being introduced to this equipment and its real-life application before anyone else, including most practicing sonographers.”
MediScout provides users the unique experience to see ultrasound images as they would appear inside of the patient. Rakestraw noted that the equipment also “has the unique ability to remotely call people in through an integration with Microsoft Teams to see through the eyes of the person performing the ultrasound.” This collaborative component of MediScout will allow students and their instructors, or practitioners in the industry, to have a first-person viewpoint of the procedure through any internet-connected device, allowing them to actively engage in the procedure and offer voice and video guidance as they view the actual ultrasound and environment.
Original source can be found here.
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