Telepresence Robots in Healthcare Industry

Telepresence Robots in Healthcare Industry
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Telepresence Robots in Healthcare Industry
Summary
Technological advancements are highly dynamic and inevitable. Telepresence robots facilitate access to healthcare services, teamwork, and foster effective communication between physicians and their patients (Molloy, Shaw, Vaughn, & Hueckel, 2016). Ava Robotics was established in 2016 and deals with telepresence robots meant for use in hospitals. The company has a telemedicine system known as RP-VITA and a telepresence robot named Ava 500 (Ackerman, 2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic, telepresence robots have been of significant use in some healthcare facilities. For example, they are used to deliver medications to isolated infected patients, sterilize rooms, and are used by physicians to attend to patients’ needs remotely.
Telepresence robots are likely to be used the most by doctors in the future. Based on a 2020 report by Market Research, medical robotic systems will be a $10.7 billion industry by 2026 (Mulcahy, 2020). The technology provides numerous possibilities and is relevant in ensuring that patients get the assistance they need all the time. For example, physicians can work from anywhere, particularly during this challenging period when the world is fighting against a deadly virus. In other words, telepresence robots can prevent the risk of infection for physicians since they do not have to get in contact with their patients to offer high-quality medical services. 
Advantages and Disadvantages of Telepresence Technology
Telepresence robots are crucial in the healthcare sector since they can be customized to monitor changes in behavior, data, or symptoms of a patient and alert caregivers. The video screens on these electronic devices have Skype-like features, which means that physicians can use them to speak to patients, monitor them, and seek more details (Mulcahy, 2020). Another advantage of telepresence technology is that it creates and fosters collaboration among colleagues. For example, physicians can plan and attend a meeting even when some of them are physically absent. Furthermore, telepresence robots enhance fast and accurate treatment and facilitate the cost-effectiveness of medical services.
Despite numerous benefits of telepresence robots, they have disadvantages as well. For instance, patients might find it awkward to share their feelings with machines (Soffar, 2019). Additiona...