A groundbreaking development at Crescent Regional Hospital in Texas could potentially revolutionize the way doctors interact with patients. The hospital has become the first in the U.S. to utilize hologram technology, allowing doctors to visit patients remotely through the use of life-sized holograms. This innovative system, known as “Holobox,” enables real-time consultations between doctors and patients at a clinic located 30 miles away from the hospital. The installation of the Holobox, designed by Dutch company Holoconnects, has the potential to significantly reduce travel time for doctors and enhance the accessibility of specialized healthcare services.
The Holobox display, standing at 86 inches tall, requires only electricity and internet connectivity to function. With features like anti-glare glass, a transparent LCD screen, hi-fi speakers, and a multi-touch operating system, the holographic experience is designed to be life-size and realistic. According to Crescent Regional Hospital CEO Raji Kumar, this cutting-edge technology represents a significant step forward in healthcare innovation, particularly in the context of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence and robotics. The hospital’s implementation of holographic visits not only streamlines the consultation process but also has the potential to extend specialized medical care to underserved areas and rural hospitals.
Steve Stirling, managing director of Holoconnects for North America, emphasized the potential of hologram technology to enhance the doctor-patient relationship and boost access to specialized healthcare services. By enabling remote consultations through holograms, medical facilities like Crescent Regional Hospital can significantly improve patient care and save doctors valuable time spent on travel. As other hospitals and healthcare facilities consider adopting similar hologram programs, the widespread implementation of this innovative technology could address doctor shortages and enhance the overall healthcare experience for both patients and medical professionals.
