The integration of extended reality (XR) and spatial computing technologies into clinical care is poised to revolutionize healthcare. A new peer-reviewed journal, JMIR XR and Spatial Computing, has been launched to showcase research on these technologies and their potential to enhance diagnostic precision, increase treatment efficacy, and improve patient outcomes. The journal's editor-in-chief notes that while there have been significant advancements in XR and spatial computing, their integration into healthcare systems will not happen overnight. Researchers like Ivan Sutherland, who developed the iconic "Sword of Damocles" in the 1960s, and Simon Greenwold, who described "spatial computing" in his 2003 thesis, have paved the way for today's innovators. Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and graphical processing capabilities have improved spatial mapping and 3D scene understanding, making XR technology more accessible and affordable. The US Food and Drug Administration has already authorized several devices with augmented reality and virtual reality through clearance and approval processes. As XR and spatial computing become increasingly accepted in clinical practice, the journal aims to foster dialogue and research on responsible adoption and implementation of these technologies.
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