University hospital of Birmingham (UHB)

History

2019: the 5G network began to be used in telemedicine

In the middle of November, 2019 the University hospital of Birmingham began to use a 5G network for remote primary diagnostics of the patient. New opportunities showed medical institution on the public presentation during which the dummy lying in the ambulance car whereas the doctor was at the station was used.

The ambulance car was equipped with the 180-degree camera, data with which were transferred in real time to the screen of high resolution of the workstation in hospital. In addition to video broadcasting data from several sensors, for example, about heart rate were also provided to the doctor. Besides, he had access to medical records.

The university hospital of Birmingham began to use a 5G network for remote primary diagnostics of the patient

The ambulance car was also equipped with the ultrasonography system allowing the doctor to execute scanning far off. For this purpose the doctor should use the joystick, directing a hand of the paramedic who is in the car. Both the doctor, and the paramedic can seize the opportunities of virtual reality.

Obtaining all data of the patient in real time allows the doctor to estimate key indicators of life activity and to solve whether hospitalization is required, or the problem can be solved directly in the ambulance car. If the patient needs transaction, the doctor can be convinced that in hospital there are surgeons ready to arrival of the ambulance car.

However you should not expect that "smart" ambulance cars will soon captivate the cities. It is not complexity of technologies — doctors note that in comparison with some hospital equipment, the VR headset is not especially expensive or difficult in use. However it is necessary to be convinced that new tools are completely safe for the patient. The health care is not able to afford technical failures therefore the system of the emergency telemedicine should be absolutely reliable and safe.^[1]

Notes