Would You Trust A Robot To Save Your Life? Why Robotics Thrive In Healthcare

Robots are undoubtedly reshaping modern healthcare, offering assistance in many valuable ways across diverse medical fields.

From reception to surgery, their presence is becoming increasingly prominent, fundamentally changing the way patient care is delivered and enhancing overall efficiency within healthcare settings. Spanish doctors have recently made a significant achievement by performing the first robotic heart surgeries on teenagers in Spain.

In recent years, the integration of robotics into healthcare has led to significant advancements and improvements in patient outcomes. These automated machines offer precise and consistent solutions to complex medical challenges, shaking up traditional medical practices.

Teenagers Get Robotic Heart Surgery

In Barcelona, advanced robotic techniques were used to operate on two adolescents who had congenital heart disorders. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery that requires a chest incision, robotic surgery is minimally invasive, leading to reduced recovery time and less visible scarring.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects roughly 1% of live births worldwide, and its causes are often unknown. Symptoms may include a rapid heartbeat, and potential complications can vary from heart failure to mental health disorders. Robotic surgeries show promising advancements, but they are currently limited by the size and age of patients since the instruments are primarily designed for adults.

To overcome these limitations, doctors at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and Hospital Clínic Barcelona have established a congenital heart disease centre. This collaborative effort aims to provide comprehensive care to children with heart malformations and extend surgical techniques to previously untreated paediatric patients.

Why Do Robots Thrive In Healthcare?

Robots are becoming increasingly important in healthcare due to their several advantages.

Firstly, their precision in surgical procedures, as demonstrated by systems like the da Vinci Surgical System, ensures precise accuracy, leading to better patient outcomes. Additionally, robots exhibit consistent performance and are unaffected by fatigue, making them valuable in tasks requiring repetitive actions or sustained concentration.

Cost-efficiency is another important factor. Although the initial investment may be high, robots’ ability to work continuously without rest or benefits offsets long-term expenses. Moreover, robots equipped with artificial intelligence enhance data analysis, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions based on vast datasets.

In hospital settings, reception robots can streamline operations by providing information and directions, improving patient experiences and staff efficiency. Furthermore, robots aid in infection control by being sterilised effectively and minimising the risk of hospital-acquired infections through specialised UV light capabilities.

What Types Of Robots Aid Healthcare?

Did you know that there are different types of robots being used in healthcare services? These robots help in various ways and have become complementary to the medical help we receive at medical centres. Some of the robots used in healthcare include:
 
1. Rehabilitation Robots
These robots help patients in physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and mobility.
 
2. Modular Robots
These are versatile robots that can adapt to different tasks and settings within healthcare facilities.
 
3. Social Robots
Designed to interact and engage with patients, these robots provide companionship and assistance.
 
4. Prosthesis
Advanced robotic limbs or body parts that replace or augment missing or impaired limbs.
 
5. Disinfection Robots
These robots are used to sterilise hospital rooms and equipment, reducing the risk of infections.
 
6. Radiotherapy Robots
Assist in delivering precise radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients.
 
7. Exoskeletons
These are supportive devices worn by patients to assist with movement and mobility.
 
8. Companion Robots
These robots offer emotional support and companionship to patients, particularly the elderly or those in long-term care.
 
9. Delivery Bots
These are used to transport medical supplies, medications, and samples within hospitals or between healthcare facilities.
 
10. Pharmaceutical Robots
These robots automate tasks in pharmaceutical production, dispensing, and distribution.
 
11. Surgical Robots
These assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive surgeries with enhanced precision and control.

Robotics thrive in healthcare due to their precision, consistency, and cost-efficiency. Their ability to perform precise surgical procedures, maintain consistency, and enhance data analysis contributes to better patient outcomes. Additionally, robots streamline operations, aid in infection control, and ultimately revolutionize healthcare delivery. This increasing adoption of robotics reflects a broader trend towards leveraging technology to enhance patient care and improve efficiency in healthcare settings.