Texas Hospital Uses 3D Holograms for Doctor-Patient Consultations

• Holobox Projects Lifesize Hologram of Doctor for Real-Time Consults
• Goal: Replace In-Person Visits, Reduce Patient Wait Times
• Hospital CEO: Holograms are More Engaging than Zoom or Telehealth Calls
  Original story: Stephanie Haines

Updated: July 3, 2024 / 08:12 AM CDT

LANCASTER, Texas (NewsNation) — Patients at a Texas hospital who expect to see doctors in person are now encountering doctors via 3D holograms.

Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster has introduced its first “Holobox,” an 86″ tall device that projects a lifesize hologram of a doctor to conduct real-time consultations with patients, WFAA reported. The Holobox, designed by Netherlands-based Holoconnects, aims to revolutionize patient care.

Reducing Patient Wait Times

Raji Kumar, the hospital’s CEO, told NewsNation that this technology is much more engaging, interactive, and realistic than a Zoom or telehealth call. Collaborating with Holoconnects, the hospital sees itself as pioneering the future of healthcare with this innovation.

“Now, you’re actually seeing the person as a whole. I’m able to see you as a whole. I can see you walk, and talk, I can make you do certain tests, which I’m not able to do with a smaller screen,” Kumar said.

Currently used in Europe for hotel check-ins, these holograms aim to reduce patient wait times and minimize doctor travel for non-hands-on visits, such as consults or pre-and post-operative appointments. Instead of waiting two months for an appointment, patients might wait just days or hours.

Real-Time Consultations with Holobox

The Holobox at Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, enables doctors to meet with patients in real-time, significantly reducing travel time.

Patient and Doctor Feedback

Kumar reported that about 10 doctors have tested the device with around 15 patients, receiving positive feedback despite being in the early stages.

Plans are in place to create mini holograms or mobile studios for other clinics or rural areas, where the shortage of hospitals and physicians is most severe. The mini Holobox displays are 24 inches tall, according to WFAA.

The American Medical Association reports that about 83 million Americans live in areas with poor access to primary care. Meanwhile, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that in 12 years, the country could face a shortage of up to 86,000 doctors.