The Rise of Healthcare Robots: Supporting Patients in Hospitals and at Home

What is it about?

This article looks at how healthcare robots (dubbed carebots) can help deliver care both in hospitals and at home. This emerging idea is primarily driven by ageing populations in different countries, i.e., more people living with long-term illnesses, but with insufficient healthcare workers. We described, based on existing research, how carebots are already being used. In hospitals, these robots can help nurses and staff by doing routine tasks, supporting rehabilitation, and enhancing patient care. In homes and communities, carebots can help older adults stay independent longer by assisting with movement, memory support, and remote monitoring by healthcare professionals. However, the use of carebots is still limited in many places, especially in low-resource or rural settings. Common problems include high costs, lack of proper infrastructure, safety concerns, limited robot abilities, and people feeling uncomfortable or stigmatized using them. There are also gaps in policies and training.

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Photo by Enchanted Tools on Unsplash

Photo by Enchanted Tools on Unsplash

Why is it important?

'Silver tsunami' is looming, and the world population is getting old. Carebots could play a big role in filling healthcare gaps worldwide if they are designed to be inclusive, made more affordable, and supported by good policies and training. When used well, carebots could help create more personal, technology-supported healthcare that smoothly connects hospital care with care at home.

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