Mixed-reality technology for clinical communication: objective assessment of the HoloLens 2 as a clinical communication device in a simulated on-call scenario

Abstract

Objective Specialty on-call clinicians cover large areas and complex workloads. This study aimed to assess clinical communication using the mixed-reality HoloLens 2 device within a simulated on-call scenario. Method This study was structured as a randomised, within-participant, controlled study. Thirty ENT trainees used either the HoloLens 2 or a traditional telephone to communicate a clinical case to a consultant. The quality of the clinical communication was scored objectively and subjectively. Results Clinical communication using the HoloLens 2 scored statistically higher than telephone (n = 30) (11.9 of 15 vs 10.2 of 15; p = 0.001). Subjectively, consultants judged more communication episodes to be inadequate when using the telephone (7 of 30) versus the HoloLens 2 (0 of 30) (p = 0.01). Qualitative feedback indicates that the HoloLens 2 was easy to use and would add value during an on-call scenario with remote consultant supervision. Conclusion This study demonstrated the benefit that mixed-reality devices, such as the HoloLens 2 can bring to clinical communication through increasing the accuracy of communication and confidence of the users.