What type of worker doesn't eat, doesn't sleep, is incredibly accurate and never gets tired? If you guessed the robotic kind, you'd be right. Adventist Health takes pride in being on the cutting-edge of technology, and in this day and age that includes incorporating robots into the workforce. By bringing some "bionic capabilities" into its hospitals, the facilities have been able to improve workflow, increase communication and even bring world-class specialties into remote locations.

The Good Doctor is In at Northern California Hospital

You might be surprised to see a robot strolling through the halls of Howard Memorial Hospital in rural Willits, Calif. But the RP-7 robot, “Aretaeus” (meaning The Good Doctor), is the latest addition to the intensive care unit’s arsenal of tools.

Weighing over 200 pounds, the 5-foot-5-inch robot can move freely around the ICU. Aretaeus is equipped with a computer screen for a head, and a real time video camera for its eyes and ears.

Manipulated using a remote control or joy stick, the robot allows specialists to be in two places at once, to move around, see, hear, talk and interact as though they were actually in the room with the patient.

“The robot is not used to substitute patient care,” said Trish Swangler, manager of the ICU. “It’s used for emergency needs and to augment patient care.” For one thing, it allows rural places such as Willits to have immediate access to highly qualified sub-specialists. It transports the specialists—through the robot—to the patient instead of the patient being transported to urban centers.

Aretaeus travels about two miles an hour. A special infrared safety system keeps it from bumping into people, walls or other equipment.

Robodoc Makes Rounds in Southern California Hospital

Despite their best efforts, doctors can’t be everywhere at once. But, thanks to a “robodoc,” patients at Glendale Adventist Medical Center can get remote access to their physicians.

Robodoc is an RP-6 “telerounding” robot, a two-way communication device that allows physicians direct access to patients from remote locations. Through a flat panel monitor, patients can see and hear their physicians via built-in videoconferencing technology. Accessible from anywhere in the world using a computer console known as a ControlStation, physicians can log into the robot and maneuver it around the hospital using a joystick. They can even move the robot’s head and zoom in to take a closer look at their patients.

While the robot does not replace daily personal visits, it provides the opportunity for increased interaction with patients and their families.

“The robot is designed to enhance communication between physicians and their families,” said Dennis DeLeon, M.D., vice president for Medical Affairs, who oversees the project for GAMC.

“The technology allows patients to feel as if their doctor is right in the room with them. They appreciate it because sometimes they don’t get to see the doctor as often as they’d prefer. It allows physicians a convenient way to be more accessible, to patients as well as staff.”

Virtually There™ Robot technology at Adventist Health is made possible by InTouch Health®, a robotics company in Southern California. The Virtually There™ technology uses advanced digital cameras, audio microphones and amplification circuitry to create two-way, audio-video communication. With the robot's pan-tilt-zoom head a physician can now be in another location, virtually.

“Robots are the wave of the future in streamlining resources,” said Keith Doram, M.D., vice president of Clinical Effectiveness at Adventist Health. “The telemedicine concept is one of the ways we are going to provide quality care in a reasonable, cost-effective fashion.”

Pharmacy Phenom on the Horizon for Rural Hospital

When the outpatient pharmacy department at Feather River Hospital moves to a new location in the spring, it will acquire not only 15 times more space, but a new worker capable of processing more than 50 percent of its workload as well.

The new “employee” is a 5-foot-8-inch pharmacy robot—not terribly sleek—but definitely a hard worker, according to pharmacy staff. With the capability to process more than 200 prescriptions per hour, the robot is anticipated to cover approximately half of the pharmacy’s projected workload.

The robot, which staff members plan to name soon, will simplify the prescription ordering process dramatically. Prescriptions will be entered by hand into the computer that will integrate with the pharmacy’s information system and then be processed through the robot. The robot manages the fulfillment of all orders, counting, bottling and labeling prescriptions. A pharmacist then completes the process by verifying the final product to ensure accuracy.

“The robot will free up our pharmacy staff, enabling us to have more interaction with patients and customers,” says pharmacist Richard Kessener, who worked successfully with pharmacy robots at previous jobs. “And, the robot will actually decrease the likelihood of medication errors with image and barcode scan verification and dispensing.”

This is good news for the Northern California pharmacy that expects to grow a lot next spring. “We’re moving to a more convenient location for patients and we expect our business to grow,” said Kessener.

In fact, the pharmacy will be located in the new rural health clinic, set to open April 2008. The location will be more visible and convenient for patients. For more information about the rural health clinic, visit: www.frhosp.org