ADVANCES IN CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS: THE USE OF AUGMENTED REALITY AS A PRECISION TOOL IN MEDICINE

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) has emerged as an innovative tool in clinical diagnostics, offering enhanced precision and efficiency in medical practice. This article aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the advancements in the use of AR in medicine, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The research was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases, covering the last five years (2018-2023). The search strategy included terms such as "augmented reality," "diagnosis," and "health technology." The results indicate that AR has shown significant benefits in various areas of medicine. Firstly, AR improves the visualization of complex anatomical structures, facilitating more accurate diagnoses and less invasive interventions. Additionally, AR has been successfully used in imaging procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, providing more effective integration between imaging data and clinical practice. Another relevant point is the application of AR in medical education, where it offers an interactive and immersive learning environment, enhancing the understanding and retention of complex knowledge. It is concluded that augmented reality represents a significant advancement in clinical diagnostics, offering benefits for both patients and healthcare professionals. Increased precision, improved anatomical visualization, and effective integration with imaging data are some of the main positive points highlighted in recent literature.