Robotics in Healthcare
The Use of Assistive Robots in Healthcare
The Use of Assistive Robots in Healthcare
CINAHL Article Summary
The article found from CINAHL, entitled Assistive Robots in Health Care Settings written by Nejat, Sun and Nies (2009) focuses on the current and future role that assistive robots take in the healthcare system. Two main types of robots are discussed: Noninteractive and interactive. Noninteractive robots are primarily used to assist healthcare professional with their daily work tasks. Surgical robots, which are a noninteractive type, have no artificial intelligence and are controlled directly by the surgeon. These robots simply serve as an extension of the surgeons hands while performing procedures. The FDA has approved two surgical robots for use during laparoscopic surgeries; the ZEUS and the da Vinci. Though studies on robot’s effectiveness are limited, the most recent studies state that the use of robots during laparoscopic surgeries enhance stability, reduce tremors, provide excellent visualization through a 3-D view of field, as well as decrease operating time, blood loss and length of hospital stay. Since the use of robots in surgery increases stability, surgeons who have used robots in practice claim that the suture performed by the robot is much more precise than one made by human hand.
Limitations of the use of robotic technology during surgery mainly include cost and the lack of outcomes data. Expenses related to the use of robots include cost for employee training, equipment maintenance and repair, and the limited use of instruments. Although the few studies done suggest that utilizing assistive robots has a number of benefits, healthcare providers must take into account that evidence related to robot use is still lacking. More studies must be done to solidify evidence regarding complication rates, lack of tactile feedback, instrument limitations, and the inability to perform surgery on a larger area.
The newest research area on the use
The Use of Assistive Robots in Healthcare
CINAHL Article Summary
The article found from CINAHL, entitled Assistive Robots in Health Care Settings written by Nejat, Sun and Nies (2009) focuses on the current and future role that assistive robots take in the healthcare system. Two main types of robots are discussed: Noninteractive and interactive. Noninteractive robots are primarily used to assist healthcare professional with their daily work tasks. Surgical robots, which are a noninteractive type, have no artificial intelligence and are controlled directly by the surgeon. These robots simply serve as an extension of the surgeons hands while performing procedures. The FDA has approved two surgical robots for use during laparoscopic surgeries; the ZEUS and the da Vinci. Though studies on robot’s effectiveness are limited, the most recent studies state that the use of robots during laparoscopic surgeries enhance stability, reduce tremors, provide excellent visualization through a 3-D view of field, as well as decrease operating time, blood loss and length of hospital stay. Since the use of robots in surgery increases stability, surgeons who have used robots in practice claim that the suture performed by the robot is much more precise than one made by human hand.
Limitations of the use of robotic technology during surgery mainly include cost and the lack of outcomes data. Expenses related to the use of robots include cost for employee training, equipment maintenance and repair, and the limited use of instruments. Although the few studies done suggest that utilizing assistive robots has a number of benefits, healthcare providers must take into account that evidence related to robot use is still lacking. More studies must be done to solidify evidence regarding complication rates, lack of tactile feedback, instrument limitations, and the inability to perform surgery on a larger area.
The newest research area on the use
References: Changing the experience of surgery. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2012, from Intuitive Surgical website: http://www.intuitivesurgical.com/specialties/ Nejat, G., Sun, Y., & Nies, M. (2009). Assistive robots in health care settings.Home Health Care Management & Practice, 21(3), 177-187. PintheD. (2012, Januray 3). Nurse robot, a conspiracy theory [Online forum comment]. Retrieved from http://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nurse-robot-conspiracy-657315.html Robotic Trends News Sources. (2012, November 29). Thought-controlled robotic limbs to reach first patients in early 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2012, from Robotic Trends website: http://www.roboticstrends.com/service_healthcare/article/ thought_controlled_robotic_limbs_to_reach_first_patients_in_early_2013 Urology. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2012, from Intuitive Surgical website: http://www.intuitivesurgical.com/specialties/urology/