The technology behind Pokémon Go, called “augmented reality,” where computer-generated aspects (images, sound) are layered over the world around us, sparks with potential.

A recent article by REBECCA VESELY of the Association of Health Care Journalists touched on possible health care applications that could occur:

“Pokémon Go could serve as a gateway for widespread adoption of other augmented reality applications. Think about how Skype and FaceTime have helped doctor visits via computer screen (telehealth) gain public acceptance.
If augmented reality can expand our relationship to information – and health care is an information-based sector – then it could dramatically alter the health care landscape.
Clinical decision making, accessing and interpreting medical records, motivation for physical therapy, hospital workflow efficiencies, medical school/residency training and giving laboratory tests are just a few examples of areas ripe for augmented reality applications.
Augmented reality also could help architects design more patient-centered hospitals and health centers. It could enhance patient education and experience across the care continuum – in the hospital, at discharge and through home health support.”

Photo courtesy VR Dentist – A Dental App, by Trendyworks LLC Medical.

Vesely noted that MedPage Today lists examples of companies already integrating augmented reality into their health care applications, including  VR Dentist, a dental app that uses virtual and augmented reality for educational purposes.

With VR Dentist,  users can Zoom and Rotate the 3d model (shown at right) of the oral cavity, a pen tool allows teachers to draw or pin specific parts. There’s even a quiz feature that allows uses to play a virtual reality game, naming parts of the model.

Read Vesely’s full article at: https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2016/07/what-pokemon-go-could-mean-for-health-care/#more-28613

For the ins and outs of Pokemon Go by German Lopez, visit: https://www.vox.com/2016/7/11/12129162/pokemon-go-android-ios-game