World First in Hologram Patients

Medical students at Addenbrooke's in the UK are the first in the world to experience a new way of learning, using the latest in mixed reality holographic patients. The technology enables teaching and learning through life-like holographic patient scenarios, accessible from anywhere in the world.

The new mixed-reality training application is called HoloScenarios and is being developed by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Los Angeles based tech company GigXR.

The first module focuses on common respiratory conditions and emergencies. Learners in the same room, wearing Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headsets, are able to see each other in real life, while also interacting with a multi-layered, medically accurate holographic patient. Through the same type of headset, medical instructors are able to change patient responses, introduce complications and record observations and discussions, whether in person in a teaching group or remotely to multiple locations worldwide, via the internet.

The first module features a hologram patient with asthma, followed by anaphylaxis, pulmonary embolism and pneumonnia. Further modules in cardiology and neurology are in development.

Leading the project in Cambridge is Dr. Arun Gupta, consultant anaesthetist at CUH and director of postgraduate education at Cambridge University Health Partnership. He said: "Mixed reality is increasingly recognised as a useful method of simulator training. As institutions scale procurement, the demand for platforms that offer utility and ease of mixed reality learning management is rapidly expanding."