The Healing App: Augmented Reality and Art for Pediatric Patients with Chronic Pain

Abstract

Healthcare is a large and ever-expanding industry affecting millions of people every day. Therefore, it makes sense that the medical community is already discovering the benefits of augmented reality (AR). Training, live surgical guidance, and therapy are already popular areas of AR in medicine. However, what if we also harnessed the power of augmented reality to influence pain management with art? In collaboration with artist Claudia Hart, the Montefiore Health System is creating a new project that explores the combined power of art and technology in a healthcare environment. By commissioning Claudia Hart for a specific area of a hospital, in a situation where she is an intimate part of the planning, a magical and meaningful space emerges that could directly affect overall patient experience and even the need for pain medications. We believe our work together in art, design, and technology is the future of healthcare and patient environments.