JOIN USScientists have developed a new “robodoc” that can measure a patient’s pulse, scan vital signs, click pictures, read case notes and then inform a consultant who advises patients on potentially life-saving actions.
The “robodoc” is designed to give small hospital units, which might not have intensive care unit (ICU), access to specialists at other hospitals.
The “dalek” even wheels itself to the bedside at speeds of up to 8 km per hour – remotely controlled by a doctor using a joystick from miles away, the Daily Mail reported.Patients can see the specialist via a video link and so receive a face-to-face consultation.
The machine is designed to give small hospital units, which might not have their own intensive care unit (ICU), direct contact with specialists at other hospitals.
Patients who deteriorate can be immediately assessed by the robodoc who can see them close up, talk to them in real time and determine whether they need to be transferred to an ICU without delay.
The UK’s first RP7 is already doing the rounds at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, Northern Ireland, acting as its intensive care consultant.
“The two-way, real-time communication RP7 makes possible is a vast improvement on what would have been a phone call from our unit to the intensive care specialists 22 miles away,” said Shane Moan, clinical director of the high-dependency unit at Daisy Hill.
“Patients are getting a face-to-face assessment from consultants they would not have seen before,” said Moan.
RP7, bought by the area’s hospitals trust for just under £ 200,000, has a built-in stethoscope which can record and transmit vital heart and breath sounds.