West Cancer Center and Research Institute, an adult cancer care center in the Mid-South, and Proto Hologram, developer of an AI-powered spatial computing platform, announced the start of holographic doctor-patient visits for oncology patients, following a successful trial run earlier this year.

The technology allows patients in rural communities to consult with specialized oncologists located at West Cancer’s Germantown, Tennessee, headquarters.

A joint company release noted that within the 150-mile radius around Germantown, half of the 4.7 million people live in rural areas.

The aim is to leverage the technology – developed by Proto for additional applications in entertainment and education – to help broaden healthcare access.

Sylvia Richey, chief medical officer and medical oncologist at West Cancer Center and Research Institute, told MobiHealthNews that often cancer patients living in more rural communities are not able to travel to receive a higher level of care.

“The Proto technology allows us to connect with the patient without them having the burden of long distance travel when they are not feeling well,” she said.

She explained that the patient feels like the doctor is in the exam room because of the 3D image that is projected.

“This technology has allowed patients to have access to subspecialist oncologists while saving the patient time and money for gas or even an overnight stay,” Richey said.

David Nussbaum, founder and CEO of Proto, told MobiHealthNews that data security is a chief concern, noting the company is System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC2) certified to securely manage data and protect the privacy of patients.

“All transmissions go through our own Proto Cloud, safely and securely,” he said.

Richey added conversation and body language play a very key role in a patient provider interaction, with the 3-D Proto technology allowing this interaction to stay intact.

“The image and audio are very clear, and the provider can also see the patient well,” she said.

She noted the current way telemedicine is practiced through phone screens or a computer camera do not compare to the full experience through Proto.

“The feedback from patients thus far has been one of amazement and positivity,” Richey said.

THE LARGER TREND

As West Cancer plans to expand its hologram capabilities, additional applications for holograms are being discussed in immersive training and patient interactions.

In May, Crescent Regional Hospital, which also offers hologram patient visits, expanded use of the technology by installing additional mini hologram displays across its facility and clinics.