Six robots have appeared at the Circolo hospital in Varese, a city in the autonomous region of Lombardy, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy. They are helping doctors and nurses care for coronavirus patients.
The robots stay at patients' bedsides, monitoring vital signs and relaying them to hospital staff. They have touch screens that allow patients to send messages to doctors.
Most importantly, the use of robotic assistants allows the hospital to limit the amount of direct contact doctors and nurses have with patients, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
“Using my abilities, medical staff can contact patients without direct contact,” the robot Tommy, named after the son of one of the doctors, explained to reporters on Wednesday.
Robots also help the hospital save a considerable amount of protective masks and gowns that staff have to use.
However, not all patients like the use of robots. “You have to explain to the patient the tasks and functions of the robot,” says Francesco Dentali, head of the intensive care unit. — The first reaction is not always positive, especially for older patients. But if you explain your goal, the patient will be happy because he or she can talk to the doctor.”
Source: 3dnews.ru