In a groundbreaking move, Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, has introduced hologram technology to enhance the patient experience. Through a partnership with Holoconnects, a digital technology firm based in the Netherlands, patients now have the opportunity to interact with their doctors remotely as holograms. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between in-person and telehealth visits, providing a more immersive and engaging experience for patients.
The Holobox, a 440-pound, 7-foot-tall device, displays a highly realistic, 3-D live video of the doctor, giving the patient the sensation that the doctor is physically present in the room. Despite the doctor being miles away, the high-quality image and real-time interaction create a sense of closeness and connection between the patient and the healthcare provider. This technology is currently being utilized for pre- and postoperative visits, with plans to expand to traditional appointments in the future.
Raji Kumar, the managing partner and chief executive of Crescent Regional Hospital, believes that the hologram technology significantly enhances the remote healthcare experience for patients. The large screen and sophisticated camera allow doctors to assess the patient’s full body, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their care. This level of detail could be particularly beneficial in a physical therapy setting, where assessing characteristics like gait or range of motion is crucial.
While some experts are skeptical about the added value of hologram visits compared to traditional telehealth options like Zoom or FaceTime, others see the benefits in terms of patient engagement and experience. Steve Sterling, the managing director of the North American division of Holoconnects, emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of connection between doctors and patients, even if it may not directly impact patient outcomes.
Despite the potential advantages of hologram technology in healthcare, there are concerns about its practicality and cost-effectiveness. With each Holobox costing $42,000 and an additional annual service fee of $1,900, the technology is not currently a cost-saving solution. However, Kumar prioritizes patient quality, engagement, and comfort over revenue generation, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to delivering a superior level of care to its patients.
While hologram technology may have more immediate applications in hospitality settings, such as hotels, its potential in the medical field remains to be fully realized. Dr. Chad Ellimoottil, the medical director of virtual care for the University of Michigan Health System, suggests that telehealth may be better suited for remote patient consultations, as opposed to requiring patients to travel to a physical office for hologram visits.
In conclusion, the introduction of hologram technology at Crescent Regional Hospital represents a significant step forward in redefining the patient-doctor interaction. While the technology may not revolutionize healthcare outcomes, it has the potential to enhance patient engagement, experience, and comfort. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, hologram technology could play a valuable role in shaping the future of patient care.
