Accuracy of remote chest X-ray interpretation using Google Glass technology

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Wearable Technology
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Remote interpretation of medical images is crucial for timely diagnosis.
• Hands-free, wearable technology offers potential for improved workflow in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of remote chest X-ray interpretation using Google Glass.
• To compare the diagnostic performance of Google Glass with traditional viewing methods.

Main Methods:

• Physicians interpreted 12 chest X-rays with 23 findings using Google Glass, a mobile device with Google Glass photos, and desktop computers.
• Accuracy was measured by the number of correctly identified findings.
• User experience was also subjectively rated.

Main Results:

• Chest X-ray interpretation scores were significantly lower with Google Glass (14.1±2.2) compared to a mobile device (18.5±1.5) and desktop computer (21.3±1.7).
• Physicians reported higher confidence when using the mobile device with Google Glass photos (73.3%).

Conclusions:

• Current hands-free, wearable technology like Google Glass demonstrates lower accuracy for remote chest X-ray interpretation.
• Further technological advancements are required for effective clinical integration of this novel approach.