Telepresence robots improve patient care

Telepresence robots from a variety of manufacturers help elderly people remain in their homes for longer, staying connected to their carers, friends and family. The image of the remote user is displayed on the screen and the robot can be driven around to view anything in its vicinity. Most of these robots are controllable from any location with a smartphone or computer and internet connection. Family members, friends, doctors, and care-givers can all log into the telepresence robot, drive it, interact with others, and explore the environment with audio and video.

Telepresence robots are increasingly used in hospitals to enable specialist physicians to consult with a patient without having to be physically present. For example, Dignity Health began using telepresence robots to quickly diagnose stroke patients and now uses the machines in emergency and intensive care units at most of its 32 California hospitals. As one doctor commented, “ No longer does distance affect a person’s ability to access the best care possible.” In many cases, a doctor simply clicks on a map of the hospital and the robot self-navigates to that spot. A cardiologist, who uses a telepresence robot to conduct late night rounds finds the benefit of being able to see the patient, and sometimes interact directly with family members. “ It’s a more personal conversation when you can see eye-to-eye. I used to have to call the unit secretary, who would then have to find the nurse, so it saves time. The return on investment is huge.” Many telepresence robots can be connected directly to medical equipment such as ultrasound machines, to provide remote doctors with real-time results.

Sometimes the robots are navigated by patients. For example, in one Chinese hospital, a telepresence robot is used as a patient’s personal assistant, informing them of their next therapy appointment, connecting them with their physician, calling their patient’s granddaughter and playing a radio station.

Telepresence robots are also used to connect long-term patients to the outside world. For example, the St. Louis Children’s Hospital has used a telepresence robot to take young cancer patients on a tour of the St. Louis Science Center. Another young cancer patient was able to attend school through a telepresence robot which connected him directly to the classroom. He was able to navigate the robot around the classroom and activate a light on the robot when he wants to ask questions and participate interactively in the class.

Videos

Personal video testimonial (Giraff telepresence robot)

VGo Robot Enables San Antonio 10-year-old with Leukemia to Go to School (NSD TV)

Dignity Health (Associated Press)

Telepresence robot in Chinese hospital (video quality low, sub-titles)

Cardiologist at Bon Secours Hospital discusses advantages of using a Double Robotics telepresence robot