Requirement analysis for an AI-based AR assistance system for surgical tools in the operating room: stakeholder requirements and technical perspectives.

PURPOSE: We aim to investigate the integration of augmented reality (AR) within the context of increasingly complex surgical procedures and instrument handling toward the transition to smart operating rooms (OR). In contrast to cumbersome paper-based surgical instrument manuals still used in the OR, we wish to provide surgical staff with an AR head-mounted display that provides in-situ visualization and guidance throughout the assembly process of surgical instruments. Our requirement analysis supports the development and provides guidelines for its transfer into surgical practice. METHODS: A three-phase user-centered design approach was applied with online interviews, an observational study, and a workshop with two focus groups with scrub nurses, circulating nurses, surgeons, manufacturers, clinic IT staff, and members of the sterilization department. The requirement analysis was based on key criteria for usability. The data were analyzed via structured content analysis. RESULTS: We identified twelve main problems with the current use of paper manuals. Major issues included sterile users' inability to directly handle non-sterile manuals, missing details, and excessive text information, potentially delaying procedure performance. Major requirements for AR-driven guidance fall into the categories of design, practicability, control, and integration into the current workflow. Additionally, further recommendations for technical development could be obtained. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our insights have outlined a comprehensive spectrum of requirements that are essential for the successful implementation of an AI- and AR-driven guidance for assembling surgical instruments. The consistently appreciative evaluation by stakeholders underscores the profound potential of AR and AI technology as valuable assistance and guidance.

Lepra: algunas relaciones socioeconómicas en Venezuela / Leprosy: some socioeconomic relations in Venezuela

En Venezuela se alcanzó el criterio de eliminación de lepra- como problema de salud pública- (tasas inferiores a 1 caso por 10.000 hab) en 1997 a nivel nacional, sin embargo aún existen regiones del país, donde las tasas de enfermedad siguen siendo elevadas. Para el cálculo de prevalencia de lepra en cada uno de los estados del país, además de los casos informados por el Sistema de Información del Programa de Lepra, se toma en cuenta la posibles casos nuevos originados por individuos infectantes con diagnóstico tardíos que presumiblemente premanecen ocultos debido al largo período de incubación de la enfermedad. Se examina la distribución geográfica de la lepra, su relación con algunas características socioeconómicas de la población y con aspectos operacionales del programa de control de la enfermedad