Video Conferencing Robot for Improved Patient Care

Technology has always played an important role in medicine, and in Northern Ireland a new robot with video conferencing technology is being used to improve patient care. The robot is being used at Daisy Hill Hospital in County Down, which doesn’t have an intensive care unit. It has allowed intensive care specialists at the Craigavon Area Hospital to analyse patients at Daisy Hill and advice staff based there. They are able to easily communicate with doctors, nurses and patients through the video conferencing technology. The robot being used has been equipped with a camera, microphone, and a video screen with speakers and is controlled by doctors from Craigavon. They control the movements of the robot and then use it to communicate with staff and patients at Daisy Hill. Those at Daisy Hill, including the patient, are able to see the Craigavon based doctor on the flat-screen monitor on the robot, which is about the same size as the average computer screen. The doctor uses the computer at their base where they are filmed via a webcam and can view those at the other end through their own monitor. Not only can they see the patient themselves but they are able to view charts and monitoring equipment as well. Additionally, they can also listen to the heart and lungs of patient’s through a stethoscope which is attached to the back of the robot. The main purpose is to allow doctors to offer their specialist advice to the staff at Daisy Hill as well as to the patient’s. In the main it is about a better level of communication rather than them providing treatment. They can, though, advice the Daisy Hill based doctors of any treatment they are able to perform. So far this robot with video conferencing technology has proved successful, with staff at both hospitals as well as patients having given positive feedback. It has resulted in improved patient care, particularly as they can be better monitored. Should this be expanded to other areas there could be a number of benefits. It will ease the pressure on certain hospitals, such as those with the specialists needed for particular patients, as they will be able to offer some of the same patient care from elsewhere. It will also limit the need for doctors to travel from one hospital to another, meaning possible cost benefits. It is not suitable to all circumstances but there are many areas where it can make a difference.  Technology is always improving and there are always technological developments that can benefit the health industry. This is just the latest example of this. If this experiment is proved a success, as seems likely judging on the early feedback, then it may be something that is expanded throughout the United Kingdom. If it improves patient care and is cost effective then there is no reason why it will not be adopted more widely. With technology constantly improving there may be further advancements in how this particular robot, or others similar, could be used. Andrew Marshall ©