Use of Holograms in Medical Training

A application created by Pearson PLC allows individuals in medical training to simulate dilemmas in patient care with a hologram. This tool, titled HoloPatient, is compatibile with Microsoft’s HoloLens headset. Using the device, students will see a life-size, three-dimensional hologram of a patient that can currently mimic 10 patient care crises.

The tool provides those in training with a realistic simulation of potentially life-threatening events, without putting anyone in danger. A similar concept has been applied with computerized mannequins that have realistic human traits, however at up to $60,000 a mannequin, with each requiring maintenance and storage, this method is not optimum. Though the HoloPatient holograms cannot respond to questions or be touched, this system is still a cost-efficient alternative to use of mannequins.

“We’re helping in terms of cost, scalability, repeatability, access to the experience,” says Mark Christian, global director of immersive learning at Pearson.

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Scenarios that HoloPatient can simulate include an anaphylactic shock episode, an elderly patient taking a balance test, and a chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder disease patient. Microsoft filmed the scenes using 106 cameras around a green screen dome and a professional patient actor. Schools tested the software last year and plan to implement it into classes this fall. Pearson has been selling the product for $50,000 to schools, which includes the HoloLens headsets and full access to the software.

Source: WSJ