Augmented reality: a digital transformation tool to enhance the patient consent process in oral surgery

Introduction Healthcare literacy within medicine and dentistry is of paramount importance in the modern age. Patients find increasingly novel ways to comprehend and exercise their autonomy with healthcare choices. With the turn of the century, the evolution of the digital world has led to an open forum of resources for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Methods At the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, a team of clinicians sought to explore the use of augmented reality in the patient consent process for oral surgery. Patients completed a two-part health literacy questionnaire based on their understanding of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a patient-specific holographic image created using Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality technology. Results In total, 28 patients participated voluntarily in the study: 96% patients (n = 27) stated their preference for the holographic image when asked whether CBCT images or HoloLens images were more user-friendly, and 27 patients strongly agreed (Likert score = 7) that the holographic image improved their confidence in decision-making. Conclusion Augmented reality has the potential to change the way healthcare information is conveyed to patients in the 21st century. This study demonstrates how holographic imaging can be used as an adjunct to communicate with patients, improve the consent process and enhance healthcare literacy.