Having had a look at the advantages, so let’s look at the issues with robotics in healthcare. Despite some of the positives mentioned above, robotic surgeries are not only significantly more expensive, but some studies have shown that they actually resulted in more complications than those performed by human doctors. Another con is the perceived loss of human jobs due to advancements in technology. In the past, this used to be the jobs in labour but now in increasing numbers, the highly trained and more specialized professions, which includes many healthcare professionals. 

The longer operating times and steeper learning curves to use this technology must also be considered. Training the healthcare professionals takes time, costs money and can also take time to adjust to. Also, in order to have this training and to maintain the robots, new technical staff may have to be employed which will cost more money. There is also the initial cost of the robots that need to be taken into account. These can be hugely expensive, with the Da Vinci Robot System (Intuitive Systems) costing approximately $2 million upfront plus a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in maintenance. There are very few institutions in the world that can afford to pay such a hefty sum, and instead of spending money on one such expensive device, some could argue that money should be spent at making healthcare more affordable and accessible to all.

  

EXAMPLES OF ROBOTICS IN HEALTHCARE 

We’re now going to have a look at a few different examples of robots being used in healthcare and I recommend that you reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of each one in preparation for your medical school interview as this may come up as an interview question as they are a current hot topic in the field of medical development. Don’t forget this may come up in your panel interview or your MMI circuits.

The first is as surgical assistants using the example of the previously mentioned Da Vinci Surgical Systems robot. This was approved by the US FDA for use as a surgical robot in specific surgeries in 2000 and has time has gone on, it can now carry out more procedures than before. It has 4 robot arms which can be equipped to hold different instruments and a surgeon’s hand movements are converted into more precise micro-movements. However, some controversies have arisen regarding its efficacy and cost-effectiveness compared to laparoscopic procedures that are currently conducted.

The second is as nursing robots for end of life care. This technology has been booming in places including Japan and China. These robots are starting to take over basic nursing duties such as carrying out laundry services and other household chores. They can also use a human-like voice to greet the patients and talk to them. They are currently being trialled out in over 5,000 nursing care homes in Japan.

The third is the use of robots for assisting in aspects of care not previously considered. This includes being used to disinfect patient and hospital rooms effectively using UV rays in minutes and helping take blood from patients by precisely locating the vein using infrared light which results in less pain and anxiety to a patient. 

There we have a brief overview of robots in healthcare, advantages and disadvantages of these developments and a few examples of where they have been used to give you an idea of what the future may hold. After reading this, you should now be able to expand your own list of pros and cons of robotic technology in healthcare as well as listing a few examples of where they have been used. 

We hope you enjoyed reading the article and learnt a little bit about the use of robotic technology in healthcare. Don't hesitate to send us any questions or comments by email at [email protected]. Good luck in your interview!