Cisco, Millions of Us, and Palomar Pomerado Health are working to open the hospital of the future at Palomar West in Souther California, but that won't be opening until 2011. To show off the idea beforehand, the two worked with Millions of Us to build a simulation in Second Life.
The Virtual Palomar West simulator will demo both Palomar's medical technology, like robots, 3D imaging, and patient tracking, as well as Cisco's Connected Hospital technologies, like TelePresence for HD video "in-person experiences, medical grade network communication technologies, and Unified Communications to sync up PDAs, phones, and more across the hospital.
The hospital island will also show off proposed architecture, outdoor spaces, and applications to develop feedback as the real-world hospital is finalized.
Visitors will also be able to experience Connected Hospital technologies that will be delivered in the real hospital by Cisco.
Highlights of the virtual Palomar West include:
• Cisco TelePresence. Visitors are welcomed to Palomar West in “Second Life” by a virtual receptionist appearing via Cisco TelePresence, a new technology that uses high-definition video and spatial audio to create unique ”in person” experiences via the network.
• Advanced Robotics. The simulation shows Palomar West’s operating rooms, which include advanced robotics and functional imaging systems capable of supporting medical procedures spanning interventional radiology, cardiovascular surgery, urology and gastroenterology. An advanced surgical cockpit, from where a surgeon can manipulate robotic systems remotely while viewing vital signs and functional imaging information in real time, is also featured.
• Communication and Collaboration. The simulation shows how the Cisco Unified Communications system facilitates smooth patient and clinician communication. For example, a radiologist can locate specialists, contact them on their phones, laptops or PDAs, and initiate a desktop collaboration session to review and consult on patient scan images thanks to the network that links picture archiving systems with communications tools.
• 3D Holographic Medical Imaging. Palomar West will feature mobile, remote-controlled, 3D holographic whole-body multimodality medical imaging systems that can be directed into any patient room.
• Connected Real Estate. In the real Palomar West, all building, communication, IT, and clinical systems will be converged onto a single Cisco Medical-Grade Network. The simulation shows how nearly all aspects of a patient’s stay (including ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security, fire and life safety, digital devices, and signage) will be monitored and managed via applications running on a single network, freeing up clinicians to focus on providing the very best care.
• Visibility and Tracking Solutions. Visitors are guided through Palomar West by radio frequency-enabled sensors that enhance security and safety through patient tracking, and that protect hospital property by tracking equipment in real time.
