A recent report by ABI Research projects that UHD TV penetration will reach 61% in North America by 2020. That’s not really a surprising statistic.
As entertainment connoisseurs, we’ve discovered that binge watching Netflix series in 4K is way better than watching in HD—4x better to be exact. Yet, rich detailed images that provide greater depth perception have many more practical applications. And, as is the case with many technologies, business adoption is following the consumer.
Healthcare is the perfect example of an industry that is ripe to benefit from 4K. Here are four reasons it’s time to for hospitals and healthcare providers to invest in UHD quality as they seek to improve patient care.
- Medical Imaging. Patients are best served when surgery is minimally-invasive. The recovery time can be decreased and there are fewer complications. However, this means surgeons often need to rely on laparoscopic cameras to perform procedures. To make clinical decisions during surgery, surgeons need to have confidence in the images they are seeing. 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) offers better depth and perspective and richer detail than standard HD.
- The global telemedicine market is making significant gains. Currently estimated at $17.8 Billion, it is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.4% through 2020. Part of this growth is attributed to the rising number of smartphone users and an increased comfort interacting virtually. IDC Health Insights predicts 65% of healthcare interactions will be mobile by 2018. Telemedicine, particularly the diagnostic aspects, benefit from the clarity and depth provided by 4K resolution.
- While a subset of telemedicine, telemental services are important enough to warrant their own mention. For people with limited access to psychiatric services, telemental options are proving to be successful alternatives. A recent Vidyo blog cited a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study on patient outcomes. The four-year study found significant decreases in the number of inpatient psychiatric admissions and hospital stays for patients using telemental health services. Telemental health was attributed to the decrease of patients’ hospitalization utilization by approximately 25%. Incorporating 4K display can create a more natural experience and better quality exchange than lower resolution solutions.
- Medical Simulation. Using immersive technology rather than patients to allow medical professionals to practice techniques catching hold in many hospitals and teaching institutions. The benefits are many but chiefly centered on the ability to provide feedback and repetitive practice. Using 4K projectors and displays creates virtual environment where these professionals interact with simulated patients, creating more realistic training opportunities.
