Robots Are Promising Innovations for Nursing Practice

The future of robotics is here. Whether it is the toy claw grabber machine at an arcade or the robotic surgery for a partial knee replacement, robots are not science fiction. Today’s robots vary in size, from microscopic to the height of buildings. They have been used in manufacturing for many years, but not in the delivery of nursing care. This column will focus on the research and development of robotics and implications for nursing practice. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The development of lifelike robots creates opportunities to innovate the delivery of nursing care and social services. These sophisticated robots mimic the appearance and communication patterns of humans. The current targeted locations for robot deployment are home environments and senior living centers, particularly in the aid of individuals who need help with activities of daily living, memory, and social interactions (Anghel et al., 2020). Robots are currently being developed and tested as physically assistive and socially assistive robots (Anghel et al., 2020). Robots often provide exercise training and motion analysis, but their roles are more diverse. They provide reminders for taking medications, health coaching, and cognitive engagement functions; serve as companions to reduce social isolation and actively connect older adults to family and games; and conduct emotion analysis, with interventions, to reduce stress and depression (Abdi et al., 2018; Anghel et al., 2020; McGinn et al., 2020; Papadopoulos et al., 2018; Papadopoulos et al., 2020). Watch the CNN report on Grace, a medical care assistant specialist (Cairns, 2021). Robot use in inpatient nursing care is limited to more technical functions, such as dispensing medications, restocking supplies, and delivering food, rather than humanoid functions such as nursing care of ill patients (Papadopoulos et al., 2020). Challenges for robots include indoor navigation, safety concerns, communication abilities, manipulation of objects needed in nursing care delivery, and integration with other health care technologies (Christoforou et al., 2020). Research reports show the need for more technical development of humanoid abilities and for more studies of robotic usability and technology acceptance in target populations (Christoforou et al., 2020). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE The practice of nursing always adapts to the introduction of new technologies (Christoforou et al., 2020). However, that adaption can come at the cost of workflow problems and nurse dissatisfaction. Robots are in the hospital now and are poised to become part of care delivery in the next 10 years. Their functions and their place in nursing workflow are strategic issues for nursing service leaders and for academic leaders to consider. Nurses at all levels need to design solutions to our care delivery models rather than be reactive or passive recipients of robotic technology (Archibald & Barnard, 2018).