Healthc Inform Res.  2018 Jan;24(1):12-21. 10.4258/hir.2018.24.1.12.

Scenario-Based Assessment of User Needs for Point-of-Care Robots

• Lee HS
• Kim J

• KMID: 2403291
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2018.24.1.12

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to derive specific user requirements and barriers in a real medical environment to define the essential elements and functions of two types of point-of-care (POC) robot: a telepresence robot as a tool for teleconsultation, and a bedside robot to provide emotional care for patients.
METHODS
An analysis of user requirements was conducted; user needs were gathered and identified, and detailed, realistic scenarios were created. The prototype robots were demonstrated in physical environments for envisioning and evaluation. In all, three nurses and three clinicians participated as evaluators to observe the demonstrations and evaluate the robot systems. The evaluators were given a brief explanation of each scene and the robots' functionality. Four major functions of the teleconsultation robot were defined and tested in the demonstration. In addition, four major functions of the bedside robot were evaluated.
RESULTS
Among the desired functions for a teleconsultation robot, medical information delivery and communication had high priority. For a bedside robot, patient support, patient monitoring, and healthcare provider support were the desired functions. The evaluators reported that the teleconsultation robot can increase support from and access to specialists and resources. They mentioned that the bedside robot can improve the quality of hospital life. Problems identified in the demonstration were those of space conflict, communication errors, and safety issues.
CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating this technology into healthcare services will enhance communication and teamwork skills across distances and thereby facilitate teamwork. However, repeated tests will be needed to evaluate and ensure improved performance.

Keyword

Robotics; Point-of-Care Systems; Remote Consultation; Needs Assessment

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care
Health Personnel
Humans
Monitoring, Physiologic
Needs Assessment
Point-of-Care Systems*
Remote Consultation
Robotics
Specialization

Figure

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  Figure 1 Scenario-based demonstrations of the point-of-care robots.

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