Learn how Meta smart glasses can help patients with visual impairment reclaim their independence. In this episode of the BMJ Future Health podcast, we explore the intersection of digital health innovation, playful problem solving, and accessibility with a leading paediatric surgeon and an expert by experience.
What you will learn in this episode: Hosted by Dr. Cat Schuster-Bruce and Dr Maxine Mackintosh, this discussion explores the real-world impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on daily life. You will hear the powerful story of Alison, who lives with severe sight loss and epilepsy following a brain injury. She explains how consumer technology - specifically Meta glasses and Amazon’s Alexa - improved her ability to navigate public transport and helped her regain autonomy.
We also speak with Professor Iain Hennessey, a consultant paediatric/neonatal surgeon and clinical director of innovation at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Hennessey explains why gamification in healthcare (using tools like Minecraft) is critical for treating young people and how adopting a "playful" mindset can solve complex clinical problems. The panel candidly discusses the challenges of digital exclusion, the cost of health tech, and how to prevent innovation from widening health inequalities
Why watch? Discover how adopting a "paediatric mindset" - prioritising play and simplicity - can drive cost-effective innovation and restore patient independence.
Live podcast filmed at the BMJ Future Health event 2025.
Key topics and chapters:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Defining 'play' in health innovation and failure as a learning tool.
02:34 - Meet the guests
03:45 - The role of play in surgery
04:24 - Building trust with patients: ‘I can turn up in a [Star Wars] Jedi outfit’
07:08 - Gamification in healthcare: How Minecraft helped treat a child with a heart condition.
10:42 - To come up with something novel in adult healthcare, it must be ridiculous at first
11:48 - Alison’s story: Using Amazon Alexa and Meta smart glasses for independence
15:26 - Cost, maintenance, and accessibility in health tech
17:48 - Addressing health inequalities: Ensuring AI does not widen the gap
20:21 - Reducing hospital admissions: Using machine learning algorithms to identify kids with a high chance of not attending hospital appointments
21:25 - Alison: the similarities between communicating with a child, and people with sensory impairments
23:10 - Conclusion: Why fun is serious business in health tech
About BMJ Future Health: BMJ Future Health provides expert analysis and debate on the digital transformation of healthcare. Backed by the credibility of The BMJ, we bring together clinicians, patients, and industry leaders to discuss the evidence behind the innovation.
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