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Why one US hospital is deploying a hologram doctor

US Hospital to use hologram for doctor-patient visits

Crescent Regional Hospital in Texas uses 3D hologram tech to improve patient care, especially in remote areas, with life-sized virtual consultations

 

A Texas hospital could be the first in the United States to use a technology that allows doctors to visit patients via hologram

Crescent Regional Hospital, located in Lancaster — about 13 miles south of Dallas — has installed “Holobox,” a 3D system that projects a life-sized hologram of a doctor so that they can perform real-time consults with patients at a clinic 30 miles away.

What is an hologram

A hologram is a picture of a “whole” object, showing it in three dimensions. We’ve all seen cheap hologram images on credit cards and ID cards (where they help prevent copying). Far more impressive are large holograms that take the form of a ghostly 3-D moving figure that you can walk around to see from all angles.

The “medical Holobox” at Crescent Regional Hospital

Known as the Holobox, this technology is developed by Holoconnects, a provider of holographic solutions. Initially used in the hospitality industry, it allows doctors to “teleport” as life-sized 3D holograms and interact with patients in real-time, according to Raji Kumar, managing partner and CEO at Crescent Regional Hospital, in a discussion with Becker’s.

The box has anti-glare glass and a transparent LCD screen for a life-size and realistic holographic display as well as hi-fi speakers and a multi-touch operating system. 

Holobox I ph. Holoconnects

Adoption driven by the pandemic

Ms. Kumar explained that the adoption of this technology in healthcare was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, with patients becoming more comfortable with virtual consultations,” she noted. This trend led Crescent Medical Center Lancaster to seek out new technologies to further enhance patient care, particularly in remote and rural areas.

While searching for advanced solutions, Crescent Medical Center Lancaster discovered Holobox. Following a visit to Holoconnects’ production facility in Amsterdam, they began adapting the technology for medical purposes. The initial application enabled surgeons to conduct post-operative visits without needing to travel to the hospital.

Benefits and impact 

A time-saving solution

“Dallas has numerous hospitals, and our surgeons often travel long distances,” Ms. Kumar said. “With Holobox, they can now clearly see their patients, examine incisions, monitor drains, and observe muscle movements — all virtually.”

Potental impact on rural areas and access to medical care

The success of this initial use led to additional developments. Crescent Medical Center is now collaborating with the Fallen Officers Foundation to outfit a mobile van with Holobox technology, providing specialist consultations in rural areas and enhancing access to advanced medical care.

Immediate consultation in emergencies

Furthermore, Crescent is deploying this technology in critical access hospitals for immediate specialist consultations. “When a rural hospital patient needs a specialist, they can now have a 3D consultation with our interventional cardiologist or surgeon, offering significant relief and clarity to both patients and their families,” Ms. Kumar said.

Positive response from medical staff and patients

The ease of use of Holobox technology has facilitated its adoption. According to Ms. Kumar, healthcare professionals find it user-friendly with minimal training required.

“Our physicians were initially skeptical, but after seeing patient feedback, they fully embraced the technology,” she said. “Patients appreciate not having to wait long hours for post-op consultations and feel more connected with their doctors.”

Looking forward

Looking forward, Crescent Medical Center is considering even more advanced applications of the technology. The hospital plans to integrate it with the nurse call system and project holograms directly into patient rooms.

Holoconnects is hoping more hospitals will follow suit and roll out similar hologram programs. Holoconnects is working to deploy the Holobox Mini, which has a 22-inch interactive touch-screen display and can more easily be transported.

Doctor shortage areas are everywhere, and health care facilities are closing so anything that can help making access to care and engagement with healthcare professionals more productive and satisfying to both patients and doctors, will be a very satisfying result.

source: ABC News I D Magazine

cover image: Holoconnects

author: Barbara Marcotulli


 

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