Here’s Why the Next Doctor Visit Could Be With a Hologram

We exist within an era where technology constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible.

And it doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon.

That’s why PYMNTS sat down with Steve Sterling, Managing Director for the Americas at Holoconnects, to unpack the applications of 3D hologram displays, particularly within healthcare.

After all, Sterling’s own journey from encountering an early prototype of a hologram display to pioneering its application in hospitals encapsulates the profound potential of this technology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

“I had seen what holograms did with people in entertainment — the ‘wow’ factor,” Sterling said, noting that hologram-centric efforts have already borne fruit in the hospitality industry, with installations in 30 hotels across Scandinavia.

These hologram check-in devices, he explained, greet guests with lifelike, pre-recorded avatars, offering maps, customer service and more, all while enhancing guest engagement. Notably, hotel managers observed that younger guests preferred these automated systems over human interaction, highlighting a generational shift towards digital interfaces.

But this application of 3D experiences within hospitality sparked the realization that hologram technology could be harnessed for broader applications beyond mere amusement.

Leveraging Hologram Displays in Hospitality and Healthcare

That’s because the true transformative potential of 3D hologram displays, according to Sterling, lies in healthcare.

A recent collaboration Holoconnects undertook with Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, illustrates this vividly. A hologram display installed at the hospital connects patients with doctors at a specialty care clinic 30 miles away, facilitating non-touch wellness visits. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with patients expressing a sense of engagement akin to an in-person visit.

The success of these hologram displays in healthcare stems from their ability to foster genuine engagement. Sterling emphasized that engagement is a feeling, not just a technology.

“The patient really has a sense of engagement,” he said. “We’re offering engagement, and we are offering access.”

Unlike traditional telehealth, where patients interact with a doctor via a computer screen, hologram displays provide a full-size, high-resolution image of the doctor, creating a more lifelike and reassuring experience. This is particularly valuable for non-touch visits, such as post-operative check-ins or wellness consultations.

Doctors, too, benefit from this technology. They save time and effort by avoiding unnecessary travel for routine visits, allowing them to see more patients and operate in a more relaxed environment. This not only enhances their efficiency but also improves the quality of patient interactions.

“A doctor at the local hospital can begin to access every range of specialists and the best in their field in this way,” Sterling added, noting this could revolutionize healthcare delivery in areas with limited medical resources, improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.

The Future of Virtual Health Rests on Applications That Go Beyond Novelty

While telehealth experienced a significant boost during the pandemic, Sterling acknowledged the challenges it currently faces, particularly regarding payment and insurance coverage. The current healthcare system’s complexity often hinders the adoption of new technologies. However, he remains optimistic that as the benefits of hologram displays become more apparent, the necessary billing processes will evolve to accommodate them.

Moreover, the integration of medical diagnostic devices with hologram displays, for which Sterling holds a pending patent, promises to further enhance their utility.

And Sterling’s vision extends to pharmacies and public spaces, where hologram displays could serve as initial points of contact for patients seeking medical advice. This could alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities and provide timely interventions, potentially preventing minor health issues from escalating into major problems.

“The feeling patients have about their journey of recovery is a very important element to the success of their recovery,” he said.

Ultimately, the success of 3D hologram displays in healthcare hinges on their ability to enhance the patient experience. Sterling drew a parallel with the hospitality industry’s focus on guest experience, noting that patient satisfaction and engagement significantly impact recovery outcomes. By providing a more engaging and reassuring interaction with healthcare providers, hologram displays can contribute to better patient experiences and, consequently, better health outcomes.

As healthcare continues to evolve, innovations like 3D hologram displays represent a promising frontier. In a future where these technologies become more integrated into healthcare systems, they hold the potential to transform the way we deliver and experience medical care, making high-quality healthcare more accessible, efficient and engaging.