Exploring the Future: A Human Odyssey #6 – Augmented reality is all you need

Welcome to the English edition of "Exploring the Future: A Human Odyssey," where we explore the future of health in the age of Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). I have last weekend the opportunity to use Apple Vision Pro and it inspired me to write this newsletter. "Augmented reality is all you need" is a nod to the 2017 research paper by Google “Attention Is All You Need" a new deep learning architecture known as the transformer that became the main architecture of large language models.

Envision it's early Sunday (it is a working day in Algeria) morning in the pediatric surgery department of a prestigious teaching hospital in Algeria. Professor Samia A. is at the helm of an intricate procedure, one that isn't commonly performed. The operation is being meticulously captured by a high-performance camera strategically positioned in the operating room, designed to ensure no detail is overlooked.

Adjacent to the operating room, a group of residents and professors are immersed in the live broadcast of the surgery. They're equipped with augmented reality headsets, immersing them in a real-time viewing experience. This setup allows them to interact directly with the ongoing procedure by typing questions on their keyboards. These inquiries appear instantaneously at the bottom of the screen, facilitating a dynamic exchange of information. Additionally, they can offer comments, which are recorded on the screen for a comprehensive post-surgery discussion with Professor Samia A. and the surgical team. The level of attention and focus among the observers is unparalleled, thanks to the immersive nature of their experience.

At a certain point, one resident shifts the focus to the patient's vital data, displaying the operating field on the left side of the screen while closely monitoring the information relayed by the reanimation machine. An associate professor introduces a new window showcasing predictive data about the patient's condition for the next one and five minutes, generated by a sophisticated algorithm. This foresight is based on real-time data analysis, offering valuable insights into the patient's future status.

Despite the surgery's complexity, it concludes successfully. In the aftermath, a staff briefing scheduled for the end of the week will serve as a forum for reflection. The team will revisit key moments of the recorded surgery, with Professor Samia providing commentary. This session will address previously posed questions and facilitate further discussion, all underpinned by the support of an artificial intelligence agent. This agent will not only record the conversation but also transcribe it, ensuring no detail is missed.

Moreover, an innovative algorithm developed in collaboration with the PhD students of one of the Algeria University computer science department and the national Artificial Intelligence Institute will analyze the recorded surgical techniques, comparing them with historical operations. It may propose alternatives by generating realistic, immersive videos of different surgical approaches. These suggestions will be evaluated against the outcomes of past surgeries, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. This advanced use of technology exemplifies the intersection of medical expertise and digital innovation, paving the way for enhanced surgical training and patient care.

Imagine it's early Monday morning in the catheterization room. Mr. Khaled C is immersed in a captivating experience, donning an augmented reality headset that brings to life the city or Sefar in Tassili Nager (which means in Tamazight “Plateau of the rivers”) in southeastern Algeria. The city is an amazing archeological and breathtaking landscapes and big museum of drawings and inscriptions dating back more than 15,000 years, representing the oldest civilization and the greatest open-air museum in the world located. As he ventures through the labyrinthine pathways of the troglodyte city, Mr. Khaled is in awe of the ancient, thousand-year-old rupestrian paintings surrounding him. The tranquility of the experience has him so absorbed that he barely registers the moment when the interventionist cardiologist approaches with news. The doctor announces that the exploratory catheterization procedure has been successfully completed, and, fortunately, no significant blockages were found in his cardiac arteries. Mr. Khaled is informed that he's ready to be moved to the recovery room and can expect to leave the hospital in just a few hours. Overwhelmed with relief, Mr. Khaled inquires if he might continue watching the video. The captivating images of the night sky over the ancient city are simply too mesmerizing to leave unfinished.

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On a serene early Tuesday morning, a dedicated team of Algerian neurosurgeons finds themselves in the bustling city of Bamako, Mali. This visit forms a crucial part of a health mission, meticulously organized under the auspices of a bilateral health cooperation agreement between the Ministries of Health of Algeria and Mali. Their base of operations is set within the specialized neurosurgery department of Bamako's esteemed teaching hospital.

In an innovative approach to patient education and communication, one of the patients is equipped with a cutting-edge headset. This device plays a succinct video, crafted using advanced generative AI technology, which visually elucidates the forthcoming surgical procedure. Simultaneously, a surgeon provides detailed commentary on the procedure. This narration is ingeniously translated in real time into the patient's local language, ensuring clarity and comprehension.

The commitment to patient and family engagement extends further. With the patient's consent, this comprehensive explanation is later shared with their close family members. This inclusive measure is taken to foster a deeper understanding of the procedure among the patient's loved ones, ensuring they are fully informed and at ease with the process. This pioneering approach underscores the mission's dedication to combining medical expertise with technological innovation to enhance patient care and communication.

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Suppose it's a tranquil Wednesday afternoon, and we find ourselves within the serene confines of the psychiatry department. Specifically, we're situated in a specially designed relaxation room, furnished with comfortable armchairs that promise ease and peace. In this calming environment, a few patients are engaged in a unique activity; they're wearing headsets and are immersed in a distinctive program designed to aid their therapy.

This program stands out because it has been carefully developed with a keen understanding of the sociological and cultural nuances unique to the Algerian context. It's a collaborative masterpiece, the result of a pioneering partnership between the department and a dynamic Algerian startup. This startup, founded by ambitious recent graduates specializing in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, represents the forefront of technological innovation in mental health therapy.

Their work embodies a novel approach to mental health care, integrating cutting-edge machine learning techniques with deep cultural insights. This synergy has birthed a program that is not only technologically advanced but also deeply resonant with the patients it aims to serve, reflecting a nuanced understanding of their social and cultural realities.

This initiative is a testament to the power of innovative collaboration, blending the expertise of psychiatrists with the fresh perspectives of AI and machine learning specialists. Together, they are setting new standards in personalized mental health care, tailored to meet the specific needs of the Algerian community.

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Imagine it's a Thursday afternoon, and we find ourselves at the Medical School located in one of the largest cities in Algeria. A group of students, wearing augmented reality headsets, is diligently reviewing their Cardiology studies within one of the technologically equipped rooms. Among them are Samir, Nabil, Mya, and Mohamed, who are collectively brushing up on their cardiac anatomy and physiology coursework. Whenever they encounter a question or need further clarification, they interact with an advanced chatbot designed to assist with their studies.

With the midterm examination looming on the horizon, the pressure is mounting. The chatbot they rely on is part of a sophisticated database that's periodically updated with the latest research on disease pathophysiology and emerging treatments, ensuring that the students have access to the most current information. What's remarkable about this system is its ability to tailor responses to suit the academic level of each student or resident, making complex information more accessible and understandable.

Recognizing the diverse needs of its users, the platform offers the flexibility to access its resources remotely, allowing students to continue their studies from the comfort of their own homes. To enhance their learning experience, students can borrow the necessary headsets from the university library or even have them delivered directly to their addresses, ensuring that no one is left behind due to a lack of resources.

In an effort to foster a collaborative learning environment, some students have taken the initiative to organize online evening meetings. These sessions are dedicated to discussing particularly complex or challenging topics from the course. A chatbot moderates these discussions, offering guidance and facilitating the conversation to ensure it remains productive. For those unable to attend or wishing to revisit the discussions, recordings or transcripts of these meetings can be provided upon request, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to benefit from this collaborative learning experience.

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The insights shared in this article reflect my personal viewpoint.

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