Robotic Telepresence in a Medical Intensive Care Unit--Clinicians' Perceptions.
PERSPECTIVES IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 2015;
12:1c. [PMID:
26396554 PMCID:
PMC4558480]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Robotic telepresence has been used for outsourcing of healthcare services for more than a decade; however, its use within an academic medical department is not yet widespread. Intensive care unit (ICU) robots can be used to increase access to off-site supervising physicians and other specialists, reducing possible wait time for difficult admissions and procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To study the use of ICU robots through a pilot program in an academic hospital and examine provider attitudes toward the usability and effectiveness of an ICU robot.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was done as a postinterventional cross-sectional seven-question survey in a medical ICU in an urban academic hospital. Participants were attending physicians, fellows, residents, nurses, and respiratory therapists.
RESULTS
Users of the ICU robot reported satisfaction with communication, and improved patient care. They also reported perceived improved quality of care with the use of the robot.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings show the importance of a whole-team approach to the installation and implementation of an ICU robot. The ICU robot is an effective tool when it is used to visualize and communicate with patients, bedside staff, and families. However, a number of providers are still not trained or have not been shown how to use the ICU robot, which affects the overall utilization rate.
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