Westmead Children’s Hospital (CHW) today introduced the first augmented reality technology designed in Australia. This technology will allow young people living with hemophilia to see the potentially irreversible impact of disabling joint disease.
Image credit: Sanofi
Hemophilia, an incurable, hereditary rare blood disorder, is estimated to affect more than 3,000 Australians. Haemophilia is diagnosed when there is not enough clotting factor VIII (8) or IX (9) in the blood to help control the body’s bleeding. This bleeding most often occurs in the joints of the knees, elbows and ankles and can lead to joint disease if not adequately treated. Because hemophilia is also an inherited condition diagnosed at birth, joint disease caused by hemophilia can begin to develop as early as 20,2,3 years of age.
The joint augmented reality scanner, to be used by clinical staff in the Kids’ Factor Zone at Westmead Children’s Hospital, will help educate young patients and their families about the potential future impact of joint disease and the importance of maintaining a regular treatment program to help prevent bleeding episodes.
The scanner uses a 3D jump camera connected to a computer to scan and map a person’s hand when it is placed under the device. Specially designed software then covers the images on the user’s hands to mimic normal aging and the impact of joint disease. While the scanner uses only the user’s hand as a reference point, it cleverly allows the user to extend the replicated view of the screen beyond the hand to see what is happening elsewhere in the body, focusing on specific joints known to be affected by hemophilia, including the shoulder. knee or ankle.
Augmented reality quickly provides valid healthcare solutions from diagnostics, treatment, care and education. Technologies, including augmented reality, are playing an increasingly important role in educating patients and achieving better health literacy.
Technological advances such as Augmented Reality, which can be seen on this articulated scanner, enable healthcare professionals to bring to life important health education that directly engages their patients. We know that better health education can help patients make informed decisions about managing their health. ”
Murray White, Joint Scanner Developer, Crash Bang Wallop
Tim Demos, 28, who lives with hemophilia A, said the scanner provided an inside and surprising lens of what life might look like if he continued to pay no attention to treating hemophilia.
I’ve always felt that I have a pretty good overview of the treatment of my hemophilia, but it’s still easy to overlook the impact of my condition over the next ten years. This scanner has helped me strengthen my understanding that what I am doing now will determine how I will live with my hemophilia for the rest of my life. ”
Tim Demos
Sanofi has developed an augmented reality articulated scanner. A company that is committed to making meaningful progress for Australians living with hemophilia and other rare blood disorders, the Joint Scanner is lent to hospitals across Australia, including Westmead Children’s Hospital, as an educational resource for patients and their families.
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