The effectiveness of Google GLASS as a vital signs monitor in surgery: A simulation study.
BACKGROUND
To assess the effectiveness of the Google GLASS as a vital signs monitor in a surgical setting and identify potential uses.


METHODS
This prospective, observational and comparative study recruited novice (n = 24), intermediate (n = 8) and expert urologists (n = 5). All candidates performed a procedure on the GreenLight Simulator within a simulated setting using a standard vital signs monitor and then the Google GLASS. The time taken to respond to abnormal vital signs during both sessions was recorded. A quantitative survey was used to assess the usability and acceptability of the Google GLASS surgery.


RESULTS
The majority (84%) of participants responded quicker to abnormal signs with the Google GLASS compared to a standard monitor (p = 0.0267). The average simulation score during a standard-monitor and GLASS-session scored to be statistically insignificant (p = 0.253). All parameters of simulation were also similar in both sessions including average sweep speed (p = 0.594), average blood loss (p = 0.761) and average grams vaporised (p = 0.102).


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical performance between both sessions was similar and not hampered by the use of Google GLASS. Furthermore, 81% of candidates stated the GLASS was comfortable to wear during the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has demonstrated that head-mounted displays such as the Google GLASS are potentially useful in surgery to aid patient care without hampering the surgeons view. It is hoped that the innovation and evolution of these devices triggers the potential future application of such devices within the medical field.
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Mohammed Husnain
MH
Iqbal
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Abdullatif
A
Aydin
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Alexandra
A
Lowdon
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Hamza Ibn
H
Ahmed
Department of Urology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom.
Gordon H
GH
Muir
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Urology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom.
M Shamim
MS
Khan
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Urology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom.
Prokar
P
Dasgupta
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Urology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: kamran.ahmed@kcl.ac.uk.
Kamran
K
Ahmed
D003198:Computer Simulation; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004867:Equipment Design; D005139:Eyeglasses; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055986:Vital Signs
Google GLASS; Head mounted display; Surgical simulation; Vital signs