Picture a doctor pointing to their own body, trying to explain complex breast reconstruction surgery using gestures and words alone. "Sometimes when I explain to patients about reconstruction, I point to my own body, like my tummy... We remove some fat here to put on the breast or remove some back muscles, so the visualisation is not optimal," reflects Assistant Professor Clement Chia, head of KTPH's breast surgery service.
Today, that scene has been transformed. Instead of relying on basic gestures, patients at KTPH now explore detailed 3D models of their upcoming procedures, interact with augmented reality visualisations, and gain unprecedented clarity about their surgical options, all before they even meet their surgeons.
This revolutionary change comes through REBORN, an innovative platform born from the collaboration between KTPH, NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and industry partner, MAGES Studio. In Singapore, where breast cancer affects one in 13 women, this digital solution is reshaping how patients understand and approach their reconstruction journey.
"Combining a cancer diagnosis with an overwhelming amount of information about complex surgical procedures often leaves patients feeling confused and unable to make informed decisions about their options."
For many patients, facing the breast cancer diagnosis and reconstruction options can be overwhelming. Dr Jolie Hwee, head of KTPH's plastic, reconstructive and aesthetics surgery, explains the critical need for this innovation: "Combining a cancer diagnosis with an overwhelming amount of information about complex surgical procedures often leaves patients feeling confused and unable to make informed decisions about their options." But with the REBORN app, the patient experience for breast cancer care has been transformed from what could have been an overwhelming experience into a journey of clarity and confidence.
REBORN tackles this challenge head-on. Using sophisticated artificial intelligence, the platform creates personalized learning pathways for each patient. Augmented reality transforms abstract medical concepts into clear, visual understanding. The impact has been remarkable, consultation times have decreased by 41%, dropping from 52.5 minutes to just 30 minutes, while significantly improving patient understanding.
The platform's impact extends beyond initial consultations. Patients can revisit their consultation recordings at home, share information with family members, and access support through an interactive system. This comprehensive approach ensures that understanding continues to build even after leaving the hospital.
This fusion of healthcare expertise and cutting-edge technology represents more than just digital innovation - it's a fundamental reimagining of the patient journey. Through REBORN, KTPH isn’t just building a platform; they’re creating a new standard for patient care in the digital age, one that puts understanding and empowerment at the heart of every interaction.
