Article intro - Assistant robots at the ER/ED

A. Vágvölgyi et al. published  "Acceptability of using assistant robots at emergency departments: results of a cross-sectional population-based survey," in IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics.

Abstract

Global Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding and the pressure to improve efficiency and patient care position robot assistance as a potential solution. Our study investigates the acceptability of assistive robots in EDs among the Hungarian population, through hypothetical scenarios, focusing on how ED experience and knowledge influence acceptance, through a cross-sectional survey of 1,300 participants, including 605 with ED visit within 12 months. Results showed moderate acceptability, with mean scores generally above the midpoint of the 7-point scale. The most acceptable robot functions included providing information on diagnostic procedures (mean=4.74) and collecting patient information (mean=4.59), while physiological measurements (mean=3.72) and initial health status assessments (mean=3.74) were least acceptable. These findings align with reported stressors in EDs, lack of information (37.36%) and insufficient communication (25.95%), suggesting information-related tasks are suitable for robot assistance. Regression analysis revealed that higher education levels, less negative attitudes towards robots (NARS), and self-perceived utility of Internet use for seeking health information positively influenced ED robot acceptance, while prior experiences (previous robot encounters, ED attendance, long waiting times) did not have significant impact. Our findings provide guidance for identifying appropriate tasks for initial robot integration in EDs and emphasize the need for targeted approaches to enhance acceptance. 

Keywords: acceptability, emergency department, function, quality of life, robot  

Source: IEEE Xplore