Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, has become the first in the nation to connect physicians and patients remotely with 3D hologram technology.
The hospital has installed its first hologram display and video studio, which enables physicians to "teleport as a life-size 3D hologram and connect with patients in real-time," according to a May 29 news release. Crescent Regional plans to integrate mini versions of the displays at several locations within the hospital and associated clinics.
The technology is called Holobox and is made by Holoconnects, a holographic solutions provider. Hospital leaders anticipate the technology will cut patient wait time and improve access to specialty care. Immediate use cases of the technology at Crescent Medical Center include virtual consultations for pre-and post-surgery, virtual rounds with patients and hospitalists, specialist consultations and patient education.
"Teleporting our doctors in real-time to connect and speak with our patients from any location as a life-size hologram gives our patients access to the healthcare they deserve," Raji Kumar, CEO and managing partner of Crescent Regional Hospital, said in a news release. "It also saves our doctors one of their most precious resources — time — enabling them to see as many patients as possible."