Outcomes of smart glasses: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Smart glasses have revolutionized healthcare delivery with their hands-free functionality, voice command operation, and ability to project data onto lenses. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of smart glasses in healthcare. Following PRISMA-P guidelines, this review will include peer-reviewed English randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing smart glasses to non-smart glass interventions across diverse patient populations and settings. Exclusion criteria comprise non-RCTs, non-peer-reviewed resources, and studies where smart glasses are not the primary intervention. The search, conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science, without time limitations, will be systematically managed and documented, including the selection process, represented through a PRISMA flow diagram. Data extraction will cover key study characteristics and outcomes. Risk of bias will be assessed using the ROB 2 tool. Studies with comparable outcomes will be pooled for meta-analysis, employing the DerSimonian and Laird method in R software, with heterogeneity assessed via the I-squared statistic. A meta-regression analysis will explore age-related heterogeneity, and subgroup analysis will investigate bias risk levels. Publication bias will be assessed using the Trim and Fill technique and Egger and Begg tests. The outcomes' quality will be evaluated using the GRADE framework. The findings are expected to guide future research, influence health policy, and inform healthcare professionals and policymakers about integrating smart glasses into healthcare systems.