Thyng Announces the Launch of MedMirror, A Virtual Body Tracking Technology
In today’s world of healthcare, doctors are putting an emphasis on the importance of patients becoming accountable for their health. This requires physicians educating their patients. Once individuals become knowledgeable about their conditions and bodies, they can get proactive with selfcare and step up when it comes to improving their quality of life.
Thyng LLC, an augmented reality app company has recently launched a body tracking technology that educates individuals about their anatomy taking a fun and interactive approach. MedMirror is a freestanding display that uses advanced body tracking to enhance the digital healthcare journey. Read on to find out more about this innovative tool.
How Does MedMirror Work?
Patients who wish to use MedMirror can simply stand in front of the mirror. A 3D view of their anatomy will automatically be overlaid on to their bodies so they can ‘see’ into their systems. This allows them to better understand the relationships between parts of their anatomy as well as their medical conditions.
The mirror also has an alternate feature that allows pediatric patients to become their favorite superheroes or interact with their favorite characters and mascots. This is meant to reduce the stress associated with long hospital stays. It is perfect for lobbies, waiting rooms and children’s hospitals.
Benefits of MedMirror
MedMirror offers a variety of benefits including the following:
· Helps users learn about their body parts
· Helps users understand how the various systems of the body work including the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and the digestive system
· Educates users on general conditions like heart conditions, tumors, broken bones, andtheir possible treatments
· Allows users to become and/or interact with superheroes and characters to reduce stress and anxiety.
“MedMirror creates a new level of understanding and inspiration with patients. Allowing for better education and creating an environment where the spirit is uplifted,” says Ed LaHood, CEO of Thyng.
“Patient education is crucial. Engaging with innovative tools like MedMirror improves our interactions. Not only does it educate but can reduce anxiety in the pediatric age group who are in an unfamiliar place,” said Dr. Jonathan Morris, neuroradiologist and medical director of Advanced Biomedical Visualization and Experiential Learning and Mayo Clinic.
The Importance of Patient Engagement
MedMirror is vital in increasing patient engagement. Patient engagement is important for the following reasons.
· Reduces Burden on Staff: When patients are engaged, they take their healthcare responsibilities into their own hand. This puts less burden on staff so they can deal with more pressing issues.
· Leads to Better Health Outcomes: When patients are engaged, they are more likely to attend health appointments and participate in regular health screenings. They are also more likely to research information about their health outside of appointments.
· It Cuts Down on Cost and Waste: Most patient engagement tools are provided virtually which cuts down on waste and cost.
· It Makes Patients More Satisfied: Patients that are engaged in their own healthcare tend to be happier with the treatment they receive. This makes them more likely to become loyal to their providers and to refer them to friends and family.
Other Ways to Increase Patient Accountability Through Technology
MedMirror educates patients so they are better able to take responsibility for their health. But this is not the only way technology has produced a shift.
The COVID pandemic has caused an increase in virtual healthcare. Now that much of the world is in its endemic stages, individuals continue to turn to telehealth for the convenience it provides.
Doctors who use virtual platforms have noticed an increased accountability on patient’s behalf’s. They must take responsibility in terms of preparing for the visit, examining themselves and generating their own health data. While some patients fall behind with the added weight on their shoulders, many have stepped up to the plate.
Providers have also been taking steps to making patients more engaged in the healthcare process. They feel this is a key driver to the outcome of healthcare treatments. As a result, they have creating virtual waiting rooms to increase patient readiness at the time of the appointment, and they attempt to maintain patient attention through storytelling and emotional connectivity.
Conclusion
Patient engagement and education is critical in producing positive healthcare outcomes. Tools like MedMirror and other virtual developments provide the technology individuals need to become accountable for their well-being. It will be interesting to see how future developments lead to innovations in this space.
