JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

To treat many patients despite lacking personnel resources, triage is important in disaster medicine. Various triage algorithms help but often are used incorrectly or not at all. One potential problem-solving approach is to support triage with Smart Glasses.

Objective:

In this study, augmented reality was used to display a triage algorithm and telemedicine assistance was enabled to compare the duration and quality of triage with a conventional one.

Methods:

A specific Android app was designed for use with Smart Glasses, which add information in terms of augmented reality with 2 different methods—through the display of a triage algorithm in data glasses and a telemedical connection to a senior emergency physician realized by the integrated camera. A scenario was created as randomized simulation study in which 31 paramedics carried out a triage of 12 patients in 3 groups as follows: without technical support (control group), with display of a triage algorithm, and with telemedical contact.

Results:

A total of 362 assessments were performed. Although being quick (16.6 seconds), the accuracy in the control group was only 58%. In contrast, accuracy of 92% (P=.04) was achieved when using technical support by displaying the triage algorithm. Such triage took an average of 37.0 seconds. The triage wearing data glasses and being telemedically connected achieved 90% accuracy (P=.01) in 35.0 seconds.

Conclusions:

Triage with data glasses required markedly more time. While only a tally was recorded in the control group, Smart Glasses led to digital capture of the triage results, which have many tactical advantages. We expect a high potential in the app of Smart Glasses in disaster scenarios when using telemedicine and augmented reality features to improve the quality of triage.