Effect of Mobile Augmented Reality Counseling on Improving Shared Decision-Making in Thoracic Surgery: Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Digital Health
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Mobile augmented reality (MAR) integrates virtual objects with the real world, enabling interactive experiences on smartphones and tablets.
• MAR applications are expanding across industries, with notable use in academic and clinical settings for enhanced visualization, communication, and learning.
• The study explores MAR's potential as a mobile health (mHealth) tool in thoracic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate MAR's effectiveness in enhancing shared decision-making (SDM) during thoracic surgery consultations.
• To assess MAR's impact on patient understanding and engagement in their treatment options.
• To evaluate MAR as a tool for personalized patient education and communication in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A randomized crossover clinical trial involving 47 participants scheduled for thoracic surgery.
• Intervention utilized patient-specific 3D anatomical models generated from CT scans via MAR.
• Evaluated SDM impact using post-intervention questionnaires comparing MAR with traditional counseling.

Main Results:

• Patients receiving MAR counseling demonstrated significantly higher SDM scores (P<.001) compared to traditional counseling.
• MAR group reported increased satisfaction and found 3D visual aids helpful for understanding tumor location and surgical procedures.
• MAR facilitated better comprehension of thoracic conditions and promoted active patient engagement.

Conclusions:

• MAR counseling significantly improves patient comprehension and engagement in SDM for thoracic surgery.
• Patient-specific 3D models in MAR offer an intuitive method for conveying complex medical information.
• MAR represents a promising approach for personalized, patient-centered care in thoracic surgery and beyond.