NHS and Glasgow School of Art augmented reality project up for award

The project, led by Professor Steven Lo and Professor Paul Chapman, has been named a finalist in the Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care category at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.

It was developed in partnership with Glasgow School of Art (GSA) and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, with funding from the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

The team co-developed the Cleft Lip Education through Augmented Reality (CLEAR) programme, which uses 3D animation on a smartphone or tablet to walk families through cleft lip surgery.

An augmented reality collaboration in Glasgow has been named a finalist at this year’s Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (Image: NHSGGC)

It aims to reduce anxiety and improve understanding, using visual communication to overcome barriers related to language, literacy, dyslexia and learning difficulties.

Professor Steven Lo, consultant plastic surgeon with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit and innovation fellow at the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, said: "I’m incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for this award.

"The CLEAR programme and our new Breast Care augmented reality app reflect years of collaborative work focused on improving patient understanding at some of the most stressful moments in their care journey."

First piloted in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in 2023, the leaflet was made available for wider use the following year.

Kirsten Watson, chief executive of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: "Professor Lo's nomination for this award is richly deserved.

"The innovative AR technology that was developed with Professor Chapman immediately transforms how children and families understand cleft surgery.

"Clear, simple communication helps to reduce anxiety and helps children navigate their surgical journey.

"Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is delighted to have funded this pioneering project, which has helped so many children and families from across Scotland who require cleft surgery in Glasgow."

An augmented reality collaboration in Glasgow has been named a finalist at this year’s Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (Image: NHSGGC)

The team was also recognised for a newly developed Breast Care augmented reality app, which visually demonstrates the steps involved in breast reconstruction surgery to support patient decision-making.

The app is expected to launch later this year.

Gillian Hailstones, chief executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "Funding the Breast Care augmented reality app allowed us to support a practical solution to a very real gap in patient information.

"For women considering breast reconstruction after cancer treatment, understanding what surgery involves is crucial to informed decision making.

"This app uses clear, visual communication to support those conversations, helping patients prepare for surgery in a way that is accessible and inclusive. It’s an excellent example of how collaboration between clinicians, designers and charities can translate innovation into meaningful benefit for patients."

Professor Paul Chapman, director of emerging technology at GSA, said: "Glasgow School of Art is proud to have partnered with Professor Steven Lo, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub on the CLEAR programme and the Breast Care augmented reality app.

"By combining clinical expertise with GSA’s strengths in design, 3D modelling and visual communication, these projects help patients and families understand complex procedures and feel more informed as they prepare for surgery."

Dr Katriona Brooksbank, research and innovation lead for the West of Scotland Innovation Hub and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "It’s fantastic to see Steven’s work recognised on a national stage.

"His innovations demonstrate exactly what can be achieved when clinicians, designers, researchers and charities come together with a shared purpose.

"The West of Scotland Innovation Hub is committed to supporting responsible and meaningful use of emerging technologies, and both the CLEAR programme and the Breast Care AR app are outstanding examples of how digital innovation can genuinely enhance patient experience and clinical communication.

"We are incredibly proud of the impact these projects are making."