In the course of my research, one particular technology innovation I came across is 3D telepresence technology (Soderholm and Sonnenwald, 2010). In essence, this is a type of video technology that uses 3D models to aid in medical consultation (3DMC), to allow medical professionals to better communicate to their patients. Real-time 3D models permit the patient to see clearly what is happening in their body, and medical practitioners can use it to communicate their needs and the next step that must be taken. By using telepresence, medical professionals can literally be at the site of an accident in real time, and give consultation to the EMTs that are on scene to allow them to make the best decision possible (Soderholm and Sonnenwald, 2010). “The technology would ideally let the physician quickly look at different parts of the patient’s body and to look more closely at an ongoing intricate medical procedure,” this allowing better interaction between individuals at remote locations than current video conferencing technology can allow (p. 1808). This would surpass current practices, as it permits a greater level of interactivity and objective assessment of a situation that might be colored by an inability to truly size up where one is at a given moment.
There are many challenges inherent to application of 3DMC right now, not the least of which being perfecting the technology and making it affordable for organizations to implement. The possibilities of 3D telepresence for medical consultation are immense, and should absolutely not be ignored when considering the application of new technologies in medical and nursing practice.
For further information on the technology itself, one can look at the information found on this website: http://www.3dtelepresence.com/.
References
Conley, Y.P., Biesecker, L.G., Gonsalves, S., Merkle, C.J., Kirk, M., & Aouizerat, B.E. (2012).
Current and emerging technology approaches in genomics. Journal of Nursing Scholarship 45(1): 5-14.
Soderholm, H.M., & Sonnenwald, D.H. (2010). Visioning future emergency healthcare
collaboration: perspectives from large and small medical centers. JAMSIST 61(9): 1808-1823.
