UC Irvine School of Medicine adding Glass to its curriculum

The University of California, Irvine School of Medicine will be adding Glass to its four year curriculum as a part of its first and second year anatomy courses and clinical skills training. The school’s faculty feels that Google’s wearable has the ability to fluidly deliver information through voice commands and other means while remaining hands-free. The university will use a proprietary secure software to record and broadcast patient care and student training.

“I believe digital technology will let us bring a more impactful and relevant clinical learning experience to our students,” said Dr. Ralph V. Clayman, dean of medicine in a recent press release. “Our use of Google Glass is in keeping with our pioneering efforts to enhance student education with digital technologies – such as our iPad-based iMedEd Initiative, point-of-care ultrasound training and medical simulation. Enabling our students to become adept at a variety of digital technologies fits perfectly into the ongoing evolution of healthcare into a more personalized, participatory, home-based and digitally driven endeavor.”

This won’t be Glass’ first trip to the operating room for the sake of education, however UC Irvine hopes that its use of the wearable computer will offer medical students an unrivaled learning experience.

The initiative starts this month with 10 sets of Glass being used by third and fourth year students. UCI will focus on using Google’s high-tech eyewear in operating rooms and emergency facilities. The program will also extend to the UC Irvine Medical Center’s ongoing use of Glass at its intensive care units and emergency departments to determine how effective the wearable can be when used by a physician.

UCI will add up to 30 additional pairs of Glass to its program in August for second year students. These devices will be used in the school’s anatomy labs and medical simulation center. Instructors will also be able to use Glass to broadcast real-time patient assessments that will be used for lectures to further educate students and staff members.

(via UC Irvine)