How Robot Nurses and Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Healthcare
How Robot Nurses and Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Healthcare
According to BID Research and ReportLinker, the global healthcare robotics market is expected to reach $11.4 billion by 2023 and the market for artificial intelligence in healthcare is expected to reach $36.1 billion by 2025. While robotics and artificial intelligence may have numerous benefits for healthcare, implementing these technologies requires healthcare leaders with the necessary skills and foresight.
Robot Nurses
The ACM's Communications of the ACM, a journal devoted to computing and information technology, defines robots as "physically embodied systems capable of enacting physical change in the world" that make decisions based on sensor data. While robots vary in their autonomy, they have proven quite useful in healthcare.
A Comprehensive Overview of Robots in Healthcare
In healthcare, robots are used in a variety of settings, including surgery, telehealth, primary care, and outpatient care. They perform a variety of tasks, including blood drawing, patient companionship, and repetitive tasks. They can benefit the healthcare process by increasing precision and accuracy, reducing human workload, patient stress, and staffing requirements during night shifts, as well as enhancing performance across a variety of tasks.
Xenex Robot
The Xenex robot is a portable disinfection system that utilizes pulsed xenon, an inert gas that is effective against bacteria, mold, and fungus. The Medical Futurist reports that it causes more serious “cellular damage to [harmful] microorganisms than other disinfection devices.” It has produced positive results — after deploying the Xenex robots, the Westchester Medical Center saw a 70% decrease in C. diff, a hospital-acquired infection, in its intensive care unit.
Pepper Robot
Pepper is a "social robot" capable of communicating in 20 different languages and determining whether it is speaking to a man, a woman, or a child. Pepper can also function as a receptionist, guiding visitors to patients and calming children before surgery.
Tug Robot
Tug is capable of transporting up to 453 kilograms of medications, laboratory specimens, and other items. The robot is controlled via a touch-screen interface and self-navigates using lasers. Additional features include the ability to summon and use an elevator, meal delivery, and waste removal from the cart.
The RIBA
RIBA, an acronym for "Robot for Interactive Body Assistance," is capable of lifting patients 40 times per day. This enables it to assist them in getting out of bed, standing, and turning in bed.
How AI Makes a Difference in Administration
Annual healthcare spending savings of $91 billion are possible as a result of more efficient administration. AI can aid in clinical efficiency in a variety of ways, including reviewing paperwork, data entry, scheduling follow-ups, scanning lab results, and automating routine EHR-related processes. When it comes to routine yet critical tasks, AI can significantly aid the healthcare process. An example is integrating an automated medication management system which streamlines medication administration and reduces human error. Such systems ensure precision in distribution and adherence to dosage schedules, thereby minimizing the risk of mistakes. These capabilities highlight the potential for AI to streamline tasks within a healthcare call center setting.
Beyond efficiency, there are additional advantages to AI use. For example, AI can detect patterns of infection and patients at risk of developing a disease. Additionally, it can improve the precision, efficiency, and effectiveness of timely interventions. Additionally, it can help alleviate cognitive overload and user burnout associated with EHR use.
Artificial Intelligence Technologies
IBM's Watson is a critical piece of AI technology, as it analyzes medical documents to assist doctors in developing more efficient and personalized treatment plans. Another critical AI technology is Care Angel's "Virtual Nurse Assistant," which calls patients to check in and alerts physicians to patients who require attention, resulting in lower readmission rates and increased patient engagement. Google's Deepmind is a third AI technology that mines medical records to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
Skills Healthcare Managers Need for the Future
CEOs of healthcare organizations and medical and health services managers are accountable for their organizations' adoption of new technologies, whether nurse robots or artificial intelligence software. To remain current with changes in healthcare, these professionals must possess adaptability skills.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Individuals in this position are responsible for setting departmental goals, ensuring that the facility complies with applicable regulations, preparing budgets, and developing work schedules. The position requires a high level of analytical, communication, and leadership abilities, as well as technical skills such as adaptability.
Chief Executive Officer of a Healthcare Organization
Healthcare CEOs are responsible for leading and managing organizations, developing long-term goals and strategies, representing the organization to investors, and ensuring the organization's core values are upheld. Advanced strategic thinking, financial management, and leadership abilities, as well as a strong business acumen and proficiency in technology-related innovation, are required for this position.
Finally
Recent advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence have already benefited healthcare organizations significantly. To continue to see the value of investing in these technologies, healthcare professionals at all levels must acknowledge their role in adapting to process changes and embracing a safer, more efficient workplace.
Courses and Certification
Health Management Information System Course and Certificate
Artificial Intelligence Course and Certificate
