3D telemedicine trial in Ghana registers results

3D telemedicine was developed by Microsoft in collaboration with Ghanaian doctors. It bridges the gap between African patients and global experts, effectively addressing the shortage of doctors. The use of enhanced lighting and cameras allows for the creation of 3D models, enabling precise remote assessments.

Telemedicine can significantly enhance access to healthcare services in Africa, especially in light of disruptions caused by climate change.

The 3D telemedicine technology operates from a specially equipped van that brings expert medical consultations to remote areas. Inside the van, high-resolution cameras and enhanced lighting create detailed 3D models of patients. These models are displayed on large computer screens, enabling multiple doctors to examine them remotely. The system facilitates real-time interaction, allowing doctors to manipulate the 3D images, zoom in on specific areas, and collaboratively discuss findings.

The mobile van is designed to reach communities lacking specialised healthcare services. It is equipped with advanced imaging technology and a stable internet connection for live consultations. When a patient enters, the system records a 3D scan, which is then transmitted to specialists worldwide. This setup ensures that doctors, regardless of their location, can conduct pre-surgical evaluations or provide post-operative care without requiring patients to travel long distances.

This innovation is powered by Microsoft’s Holoportation technology, offering a real-time 360-degree virtual consultation experience. The first clinical trials began in Scotland in 2020, testing patient satisfaction, clinical reliability, and safety. These trials revealed that 3D telemedicine (3DTM) significantly outperformed traditional 2D telemedicine (2DTM) in terms of realism, usability, and patient satisfaction. Constructed with off-the-shelf components, the system proved to be both cost-effective and reliable for real-world medical applications.

Following the success in Scotland, researchers expanded the project to Ghana, installing the first 3D telemedicine system on the African continent in early 2022. With only 16 reconstructive surgeons for a population of 31 million, Ghana faces significant healthcare access challenges, particularly in remote areas. A collaboration between Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and Scottish medical teams led to a portable, enhanced version of the 3DTM system, facilitating pre-operative and post-operative consultations between doctors in Ghana and specialists in Scotland. This technology allows patients to visualise their procedures in detail, enhancing their understanding and improving post-surgical outcomes.

Climate change disrupts healthcare access in rural and underserved areas of Africa. Extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, damage healthcare infrastructure, displace communities, and limit mobility, making it challenging for patients to reach medical facilities. Additionally, climate-induced diseases like malaria and cholera place further strain on already fragile healthcare systems.

Telemedicine provides a vital solution by enabling remote consultations and real-time monitoring, reducing reliance on physical healthcare infrastructure and the need for travel. In Zimbabwe, the ePartograph application supports childbirth monitoring in remote areas, ensuring timely interventions. Similarly, mobile health solutions offer contraception services in underserved communities. By minimising travel, telemedicine also helps lower healthcare-related carbon emissions.

With ongoing trials and refinements, this innovation has the potential to transform healthcare delivery across the continent, addressing critical gaps in medical accessibility.

One of the primary goals of telemedicine is to enhance the quality of remote consultations, bringing them closer to the experience of face-to-face interactions. The 3D technology indicates significant potential in achieving this goal.

While nothing can replicate the authenticity and reassurance of an in-person visit with a doctor, 3D technology shows considerable promise as a solution for remote telemedicine. It has the potential to replace current 2D virtual visits, improving access and outcomes for patients.