How can robots be integrated into medicine? Here are some examples from the AI in GI Conference:
Imagine if our patients could wear Apple Pro Vision glasses. How might we utilize them? Recent research suggests that allowing patients to travel virtually while wearing these glasses in the hospital could transport them to places like Hawaii, allowing them to enjoy the beach. Studies indicate that such distractions can reduce the need for pain-controlling medications, particularly in cases like cancer treatment.
Moreover, what about employing robots as therapists? Research indicates that individuals who interact with a robot say it is more patient and empathetic, fostering trust as it attentively engages with them. Patients report feeling more comfortable and relaxed after multiple interactions with such robots during their hospital stay, which helps alleviate anxiety and depression.
Envision therapists utilizing robots to conduct patient appointments and then send a visit summary for review and correction as needed. By training AI to handle specific scenarios, such as patients with anxiety and depression, we can use robots in medicine. It sounds simple, but…
Researchers were intrigued by what might occur if a robot encountered a situation in which it wasn’t yet trained. Here’s a real-life example: a woman approached the robot and began discussing her experience with domestic abuse. After listening carefully, the robot responded, “Your situation seems complex, and I’m uncertain about its safety. While I cannot call the police, I can offer guidance. Have you considered looking for support from local agencies? Be cautious, though, as your partner may monitor your activities, including internet usage. Using incognito mode while browsing might be wise.” This scripted dialogue was then forwarded as a progress note for the therapist’s review, who asked what is “incognito mode.”
It would be helpful if we could send robots to the patients early in the morning to pre-round and see patients, then review their charts, collect all the information, and summarise it in a couple of paragraphs. It would make our work significantly more effective, huh?