Droid In The Room. Autonomous Mobile Robot.

When I was growing up I use to tag along with my older brother who was a big time Star War fan, we use to watch all kind of Star Trek episodes together. I realized later, that in the process I have been transformed into a Trekkie and technology enthusiast. 

So as I was starting my rounds today I had a Star War moment. I saw a R2-D2 like character from Star Wars roaming our hospital corridors. I shot this video earlier today of this contraption, AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) going on its merry way. This  is along the same lines as my post earlier regarding Tele-Neurologist. This robot is crafted by a company Swisslog, which creates solutions for logistics automation. So make way to your next generation carrier. By the way, I think my amusement overwhelmed its handlers today. 

This robot carries digitally locked boxes containing various materials. You push a button and it will carry the samples to the lab or carry medications to different units from pharmacy. You can call it to your station by pushing a button. It can open doors, get into an elevator and may even has a capacity to carry medications to patient rooms. Our hospital just started using this robot, it is not operational, at least as of yet, but soon it would be. It will assist in all kind of logistics and distribution jobs around the hospital. 

Everything has its pros and cons. This carrier does not require a 401 K plan nor does it require any benefit plans. Nor it would take smoking breaks or stop on its way for a chat. However, all automated devices come with their own problems. Hey I have an idea, why don't we combine AMR with Tele-Neurologist technology to provide automated service. Anyways be aware,  soon you may find my replacement entering patient's room fully charged and on four wheels with an Apple logo....... here enters IAli,M.D.

So if you have any doubts, tomorrow is already here today. 

Tele Neurologist. Specialist On Call.

In a time not so far away, you just brought a friend to the emergency room with symptoms of stroke. Patient has developed right sided weakness and also complaints of slurred speech. ER physician enters the room and evaluate your friend. He recommends that your friend can benefit from thrombolytic therapy. Then he goes on to say that he would need a neurologist to make that call, however, there is no local neurologist on call. You start to get upset and…………….drum rolls…..

………and enters neurologist on wheels, this robot like device is being dragged in to the room by a nurse. On the monitor you see a doctor’s face. “Robot” asks you different questions, examines your friend with certain devices and eventually review your CAT scan of the brain while sitting miles apart. Finally he recommends that he concurs with thrombolytics. He orders it and the nurse administers the lytics. Soon your friend who was unable to speak a minute ago now is talking with you and moving his extremities. Finally you take a deep breath. You know what’s so peculiar about this scenario? THE TIME IS PRESENT, IT’S HERE.

I was invited today to meet with Specialist On Call (S.O.C). They provide expert consultation and evaluation for stroke patients. Their model is telemedicine, where a board certified physician is sitting at a remote facility and evaluates your patient. He makes recommendations appropriately, utilizing most advanced tools available through a computer portal.

This company provides specialty care to those hospitals which lack certain specialties. Like in our program we do not have a neurologist on call for stroke.  So patient who live close to our hospitals are taken to a remote facilities to be treated with thrombolytics.

 Initially I was apprehended by the presentation but after listing to the speaker he was able to answer most of our concerns. SOC was founded in 2005, they are currently working in 105 hospitals around the country and they are (Joint Commission) JACHO accredited. They guarantee a patient–teleneurologist encounter within 15 minutes and are available 24/7. They had 6734 consults in 2009 and recommended 380 thrombolytics. National average for cerebral bleed after thrombolytics is 6 %, they are at 4.5 %.  They recommend collaboration with local neurologist for post thrombolytic care.

Though it seems like a good alternative but it would require a comprehensive protocol before this could be implemented. There is a company in Georgia who is also using the similar device to fill in for nocturnist/hospitalist and so far they have seen good results.

I would appreciate feedback if anyone has been involved with similar projects.