Mixed reality headsets are being used to help keep clinically vulnerable residents safe by allowing them to speak to their GP in a COVID-secure way.
Nurses from Kendal Care Home wear the HoloLens 2 mixed-reality headset at a resident’s bedside to call a GP through Microsoft Teams. The GP, who could be in their practice, at home or working remotely, can ask the resident questions about their health, offer a diagnosis and advise the nurse on effective treatment.
Since beginning to use the devices in October 2020, staff at Kendal Care Home have found that the device helps them to:
- Improve the health and wellbeing of residents as they are still able to see and talk to their GP, despite many being infirm, unwell and bed-bound.
- Maintain strict pandemic safety measures, keeping clinically vulnerable, elderly residents and their carers safe.
- Receive live holographic guidance through the mixed-reality headset from GPs as they deliver care to residents, supported by the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist app.
- Provide clearer images compared to the smartphones and tablets replaced by HoloLens 2, which is critical when these visuals are used by GPs to make treatment decisions.
Geethu Tennison, Deputy Manager at Kendal Care Home, said: “By adopting HoloLens 2 we have ensured that residents and staff remained safe during the pandemic as they are not having to travel and attend GP surgeries for their appointments, which reduces the risk of residents and staff catching COVID-19 or other infections such as flu.
“Because HoloLens 2 enables real-time communications, it has also helped to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents. They are still able to see and talk to their nurses and GP, despite many being infirm, unwell and bedbound. HoloLens 2 is also providing valuable support for our staff and offering peace of mind to residents’ families.”
Local GP Dr Richard Russell said: “HoloLens has enabled real-time communications with residents who really need it, whilst keeping them safe from COVID. It’s improved quality and access, especially for those infirm, unwell and bedbound. Worried families now feel happier and reassured. This is only the start, and we look forward to improving this concept for our residents.”
Kendal Care Home is working with local GPs, Kendal Integrated Care Community and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to train staff in how to use and clean Microsoft’s headset.
“Staff have been very positive about using the HoloLens 2 headset,” Tenison added. “It has been a game-changer for our care home and we are looking at how we can use the device in other areas of our care.”
