Robotics are quickly changing the way the healthcare industry operates; to increase precision, efficiency and patient outcomes. Robots were initially used primarily in industrial applications, however, they have become an important technological component in hospitals, laboratories and rehabilitation facilities. The robotic capabilities of assisting in complex procedures, automating repetitive tasks and providing support of patient care are creating a more advanced and value-based healthcare delivery system.
Surgical Precision and Minimally-Invasive Surgery
The most significant advancement made by robots in healthcare has been within the field of surgery. Robotic-assisted surgical systems allow surgeons to perform surgeries with extreme precision and with minimal invasiveness to their patients. Through the combination of superior visualization, steady and constant hand movement and a level of control that far surpasses what was possible with traditional surgical techniques, these systems provide many advantages to surgeons when they are performing surgical procedures.
In summary, we can say that this technology allows the surgeon to perform a surgery with a much smaller incision, a lower amount of blood loss/haemorrhage, a lower amount of pain as experienced during and after surgery and a shorter recovery time compared to the same procedure performed using conventional techniques. In addition, surgeons will achieve a higher level of accuracy when performing delicate surgical procedures such as neurosurgery or coronary bypass surgery. This will not only lead to improved surgical outcomes for the patient, but it will also decrease the risk for complications and ultimately enhance the value of care provided to the patient.
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Automation of Routine Activities
The vast majority of the time spent by healthcare professionals is consumed by completing repetitive and administrative activities. Automated robots can assist with many of these types of activities that are typically completed by healthcare staff: dispensing medication to patients, keeping accurate and updated patient records and managing inventory levels.
For Example:
Robotic pharmacy systems prepare and dispense medications accurately with minimum human errors. Robotic delivery systems within a hospital transport goods (e.g. supplies, linens, laboratory samples) and simplify workflow for staff who are then able to spend more time providing patient care; increased productivity results in lower costs of operations and increased overall productivity.
Improved Patient Support Through Robotics
Robotics provide improvements for direct care of patients. Robotic assistants assist with patient mobility, assist with daily living activities and help patients regain mobility through rehabilitation exercises. In aged care settings, companion robots offer companionship and monitor vital signs and remind patients when it is time for their medications.
Robotics are an important tool used to mitigate the impact of nurse shortages and to provide support for ageing populations by providing continuous assistance to patients and improving patients’ quality of life while decreasing the burden on nursing staff.
Advancing Diagnostic Capabilities and Data Analysis through Robotics
Robotic systems combined with Artificial Intelligence are changing the landscape of diagnostic capabilities. Robotic systems provide the capability to scan and review medical imaging, identify abnormalities and aid in diagnosing diseases early and accurately.
Laboratory robots perform tasks such as sample processing and data analysis, allowing test results to be produced and reported faster and more accurately. The ability to complete laboratory tests more quickly and accurately is essential to timely diagnosis and initiation of disease treatment and is a key contributor to patient outcomes improvement.
Infection Control and Safety
In recent years, the need to control infections has increased substantially. One of the most important aspects of this effort is the use of robots to help maintain sanitary conditions in healthcare facilities and limit the transmission of disease.
In addition, robots designed with ultraviolet (UV) technology are able to use this type of light to disinfect hospital rooms, operating rooms, and/or various pieces of equipment. Furthermore, robots are able to provide food, medication, and supplies to patients who are in isolation, thus limiting human interaction and decreasing the probability of spreading germs between individuals. As a result, patients and healthcare workers will have a safer place to receive or perform treatment.
Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Robots are advancing rapidly in the area of rehabilitation. Robotic exoskeletons and robotic therapeutic devices assist people in regaining motion following injuries, strokes, or surgery. These systems deliver personalized therapy sessions, which are essential for recovery.
In contrast to traditional therapy, robotic rehabilitation can monitor an individual’s progress in real time, which allows for adjustments to be made to the therapeutic regimen based upon the person’s ability to perform the task. This results in the development of an effective treatment plan in less time, thus creating added value to the care of the individual.
Cost Efficient / Optimizing Resources
The initial costs associated with the implementation of robotic systems can be high; however, they lead to a long term reduction in cost. Robots minimize errors, reduce length of hospital stays, and increase productivity — all of which contribute to a reduction in total healthcare costs.
By using robots to do routine tasks and putting human resources into areas of highest need, hospitals can utilize their resources most effectively. Not only will this improve the financial and clinical performance of the hospital but will also help to make the entire healthcare delivery system more sustainable.
Challenges and Ethical Issues
With the introduction of robots into healthcare come challenges, including the high cost of acquisition and maintenance, technical complexity, and the need for specialized training to operate many robots. These challenges can limit their wide use.
In addition, there are ethical concerns related to the privacy of patient information, the security of electronically stored data, and the potential for reducing human contact from the delivery of patient care. In the future, it is essential that healthcare providers continue to provide personal interaction by using robots in conjunction with providing personal touch to patients to ensure a level of compassion during care delivery.
Conclusion
Robots have had a powerful impact on the healthcare industry by improving the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of care provided. There are numerous examples throughout the extensive use of robotics in surgery, patient support, and infection control. There continues to be numerous barriers to overcome from the widespread implementation of robots in the healthcare system. However, as continual advancements are made in the field of robotics and more implementation plans are developed, there exists great potential for improving the accessibility and effectiveness of patient care.
