Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Robotic telepresence has been used for outsourcing of healthcare services for more than a decade; however, its use within a Surgical and Medical Oncology ICU is not yet widespread. Intensive care unit (ICU) robots can be used to increase access to off-site supervising ICU physicians, surgeons, oncologists 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 A Surgical & Medical ICUs, KCCC and examine provider attitudes toward the usability and effectiveness of an ICU Robot Physicians.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was done as a pilot project to use Robot Physicians in Surgical and Medical ICUs in KCCC. The Robot Physician has been used for the ICU Management and car of the more 1500 ICU Oncology Patients. Participants were attending Oncology Surgeons, Medical Oncologists and ICU physicians, clinical pharmacology physicians and microbiologists, radiologists, fellows, residents, nurses, and respiratory therapists.
RESULTS: Users of the ICU Robot Physicians reported satisfaction with communication, and improved oncology patient s ICU care. They also reported perceived improved quality of care with the use of the Robot Physicians.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings show the importance of a whole-team approach to the installation and implementation of an ICU Robot Physicians. The ICU Robot Physician is an effective tool when it is used to visualize and communicate with patients, bedside staff, and families. However, a number of specialist’s providers are still on the continuously trained or have been shown how to use the ICU Robot Physicians, which affects the highest utilization rate.
