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Ways Medical Robots can Enhance Healthcare

January 3, 2022 - Parul Saini, Webmedy Team

Updated Version - July 22, 2023


Robots in the medical field are transforming how surgeries are performed, streamlining supply delivery and disinfection, and freeing up time for providers to engage with patients. Well, the idea of robotics in Healthcare is not a new thing- it's here from late 1980 when the first robots in the medical field offered surgical assistance via robotic arm technologies.

Continue reading to know how Medical Robots Can Enhance Healthcare care delivery?

The medical robots can help, assist, and can increase the service health workers are offering. In jobs with repetitive and monotonous functions, they might even obtain the capacity to completely replace humans. Healthcare professionals can learn more about medical robots like what these robots are capable of doing, how to work with them, in what way they might complement the tasks they perform daily.

Ways Medical Robots can Enhance Healthcare

We will tell you all about how robots can assist healthcare professionals. The real magic of the 21st century is how doctors and robots work hand in hand and provide quality care.

  • High-Quality Patient Care

    Medical robots support minimally invasive procedures, customized and frequent monitoring for patients with chronic diseases, intelligent therapeutics, and social engagement for elderly patients. In addition, as robots alleviate workloads, nurses and other caregivers can offer patients more empathy and human interaction, which can promote long-term well-being.

  • Operational Efficiencies

    Service robots streamline routine tasks, reduce the physical demands on human workers, and ensure more consistent processes. These robots can keep track of inventory and place timely orders, helping make sure supplies, equipment, and medication are where they are needed. Mobile Cleaning and disinfection robots allow hospital rooms to be sanitized and readied for incoming patients quickly.

  • Safe Work Environment

    Service robots help keep healthcare workers safe by transporting supplies and linens in hospitals where pathogen exposure is a risk. Cleaning and disinfection robots limit pathogen exposure while helping reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and hundreds of healthcare facilities are already using them. Social robots also help with heavy-lifting, such as moving beds or patients, which reduces physical strain on healthcare workers.

  • Surgical Assistant Robots

    As motion control technologies have advanced, surgical-assistance robots have become more precise. These robots help surgeons perform complicated micro procedures without making large incisions. As surgical robotics continue to evolve, AI-enabled robots will eventually use computer vision to navigate to specific areas of the body while avoiding nerves and other obstacles. Some surgical robots could complete tasks autonomously, allowing surgeons to oversee procedures from a console.

    The field of surgical robotics is growing to make greater use of AI. Computer vision enables surgical robots to differentiate between types of tissue within their field of view.

  • Modular Robots

    Modular robots complement other systems and can be programmed to execute a variety of tasks. Therapeutic exoskeleton robots and prosthetic robotic arms and legs are examples in healthcare. Rehabilitation following strokes, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple sclerosis can be aided with therapeutic robots. These AI-enabled robots can monitor a patient's form while they perform prescribed workouts, detecting degrees of motion in various positions and charting improvement more precisely than the human eye. They can also communicate with patients to offer coaching and motivation.

  • Service Robots

    Service Robots handle the daily logistics duties, which ease the everyday stress on healthcare professionals. Many of these robots are self-contained and may submit a report once they have completed a task. These robots are in charge of setting up patient rooms, tracking supplies and filing purchase orders, restocking medical supply cabinets, and transporting bed linens to and from washing facilities. Service robots can take care of some regular duties, freeing up health staff to focus on pressing patient needs.

  • Social Robots

    Social robots interact with humans. These "friendly" robots can provide social interaction and surveillance in long-term care facilities. They may provide cognitive engagement or motivate patients to stick to treatment regimens, keeping them attentive and cheerful. They can also be used to direct visitors and patients within the hospital setting. In general, social robots assist caregivers in reducing workloads and improving the emotional well-being of patients.

  • Autonomous Robots

    Self-navigating robots equipped with a wide range of depth cameras may navigate to patients in exam or hospital rooms, allowing clinicians to communicate from afar. Doctors can also use robots controlled by a remote specialist or another worker to follow them on their rounds in the hospital, allowing the specialist to provide on-screen consultation on patient diagnosis and care. These robots can keep track of their batteries and, if necessary, return to recharge facilities.

  • In-house Deliveries

    Not only are robots used to deliver medical supplies from the air but they are also used to make deliveries within healthcare facilities. And the benefits? These robots work around the clock, so fewer employees are necessary for the burdening night shifts. Staff can spend more time with patients or assist nursing instead of transporting goods through the hospital. Moreover, nurses do not have to carry around heavy loads and can avoid related injuries.

Many people use Social Media, Netflix, Siri, Alexa, and other "Smart Systems" without realizing that many of these systems are powered by machine learning. As each of these AI and robotics developments advance in healthcare, it will be better for officials to explain the benefits of these advances, not the technology, to help smooth the adoption curve and to soothe any fears about the use of AI and robots in the medical space.

Helpful Information

How do medical robots improve surgical precision?

Medical robots, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, enhance surgical precision by allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with increased stability and accuracy. They can make precise incisions and movements, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and reducing the likelihood of complications.

Can medical robots help in patient rehabilitation?

Yes, medical robots like exoskeletons and robotic arms can play a significant role in physical rehabilitation. They provide consistent, repetitive movements which are crucial for relearning motor skills, and can adapt therapies to individual patient needs, making rehabilitation more effective.

What role do medical robots play in patient diagnostics?

Medical robots can help in diagnostics by conducting repetitive and high-precision tasks such as blood tests or biopsies. They can also assist in imaging procedures, providing precise positioning and control which can lead to more accurate diagnoses.

How can medical robots aid in pharmacy and drug dispensation?

Medical robots can automate tasks in pharmacies, such as dispensing medication, filling prescriptions, and managing inventory. This can help reduce human error, increase efficiency, and free up time for pharmacists to provide patient care.

Can medical robots help in elderly care?

Medical robots can significantly contribute to elderly care by helping seniors with daily tasks, providing companionship, monitoring vital signs, and alerting caregivers or medical professionals in case of an emergency.

How can medical robots contribute to telemedicine?

Medical robots can enhance telemedicine by providing physical examinations remotely, allowing doctors to assess, diagnose, and treat patients who cannot easily travel to healthcare facilities. Some robots can even perform surgeries remotely under the control of a surgeon.

Do medical robots have a role in reducing healthcare costs?

Over time, medical robots can help reduce healthcare costs by increasing efficiency, reducing the length of hospital stays, and lowering the rates of complications and readmissions. They can also streamline tasks, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on more complex patient care tasks.

Can medical robots enhance minimally invasive surgery?

Medical robots can significantly enhance minimally invasive surgery by providing 3D visualization, high precision, and improved maneuverability. This leads to smaller incisions, less blood loss, less pain, faster recovery, and lower risk of infection.

How do medical robots assist in patient transport?

Medical robots can safely transport patients within healthcare facilities, reducing the physical strain on healthcare workers. They can also transport medical supplies, medications, and laboratory samples, improving efficiency in hospitals.

Can medical robots help in health monitoring?

Yes, medical robots can provide continuous health monitoring, tracking vital signs, sleep patterns, and other health indicators. They can alert healthcare providers to any significant changes, enabling timely intervention.

How do medical robots contribute to training healthcare professionals?

Medical robots can be used to simulate medical scenarios for training purposes, giving healthcare professionals the opportunity to practice procedures in a risk-free environment before performing them on actual patients.

Can medical robots improve patient care in intensive care units (ICUs)?

Medical robots can assist in ICUs by monitoring vital signs, delivering medication, turning patients to prevent bedsores, and performing other tasks. This can improve patient care by ensuring continuous, high-precision treatment and reducing the burden on ICU staff.

How can medical robots aid in disinfection and sterilization in healthcare settings?

Medical robots can be programmed to disinfect healthcare facilities, eliminating harmful microorganisms using UV light or disinfectant sprays. This can ensure thorough, consistent cleaning, minimizing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Can medical robots assist in mental health care?

Medical robots can play a role in mental health care, particularly in providing therapeutic interactions for patients with conditions like autism, dementia, or depression. Some robots are designed to provide emotional support and companionship, which can improve mental wellbeing.

How can medical robots improve access to healthcare in remote areas?

Medical robots, combined with telemedicine, can help provide medical services in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited. They can assist with diagnoses, monitor patients, and even perform surgeries under the direction of a remotely located healthcare professional.

Can medical robots reduce surgical recovery times?

Through enabling minimally invasive surgeries, medical robots can lead to smaller incisions, less trauma to the body, and hence, shorter recovery times. This also means less post-operative pain and a quicker return to normal activities for patients.

How can medical robots assist in complex surgical procedures?

Medical robots can assist in complex surgical procedures by providing enhanced dexterity, precision, and control. They can access hard-to-reach areas of the body and perform delicate operations that would be challenging for human hands.

Can medical robots help in early disease detection?

Through continuous monitoring and the ability to perform complex diagnostic tasks, medical robots can help detect diseases at an early stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Do medical robots have a role in reducing physician burnout?

By automating repetitive tasks and assisting with physically demanding procedures, medical robots can help reduce physician burnout. They allow healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks.

How do medical robots contribute to patient safety?

Medical robots contribute to patient safety by reducing human error in medication dispensation, improving precision in surgeries, and providing continuous patient monitoring. They can also minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections through effective disinfection processes.

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