Robotics has been a revolutionizing innovation used across a wide range of industries. The healthcare sector, known for its ability to use the latest technologies to its advantage is also actively implementing robotics in healthcare, be it for labs, handling sensitive material, manufacture, and even surgery.
Robotics in healthcare are also being used to improve administrative efficiency, reshaping the future of healthcare careers. Since they are working behind the scenes as well as in front now, workers need to adapt to it and learn how to use it to their advantage.
There are a number of exciting healthcare robotics jobs arising from its implementation. However, at the same time, there are also several new responsibilities and challenges. The CAGR for robotics implementation in healthcare stands at 16.55% till 2030, with the market expected to reach $127 billion. Unfortunately, this has also meant a disruption in the job market for people not staying up to date with its integration.
Robotics in Patient Care
Robotics in healthcare is enhancing patient care in various ways that were unimaginable not too long ago. Robotic surgical systems such as the Monarch and Da Vinci SP, for instance, have been used for surgeries that require extreme precision. They have actively been used for procedures such as pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation in adults, and ureteroureterostomy in children.
The implementation of robotics in healthcare, especially surgical applications, has allowed for minimally invasive procedures with increased precision. Here, surgeons use robotic arms equipped with cameras and tools to perform delicate surgeries, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes.
Similarly, robotic exoskeletons are giving patients an edge for recovery during rehabilitation. These devices assist individuals recovering from strokes or spinal injuries by improving mobility and strength.
Some examples include:
- NEUROExos,
- FELXO-Arm1 exoskeleton,
- Hydraulic-driven gait-assisted exoskeleton, and
- Lower limb rehabilitation exoskeletons.
Considering these advancements and a lot more, nurses and therapists are actively increasingly collaborating with robotics and healthcare robotics experts to optimize patient support. These technologies require professionals to learn new skills and adapt to working alongside machines, making the integration of robotics a critical component of healthcare training programs.
Streamlining Administrative Tasks
Beyond patient care, robotics is revolutionizing administrative processes in healthcare. Tasks like appointment scheduling, medical record management, and inventory control are becoming automated.
Robots and AI systems handle repetitive administrative duties with greater accuracy and speed, reducing errors and freeing up time for healthcare staff to focus on more complex responsibilities.
For instance:
- UiPath is used for robotic process automation (RPA), primarily for data entry, claims processing, and more.
- Automation Anywhere is another RPA used for maintaining patient records and scheduling,
- Blue Prism is an RPA used specifically for billing and insurance verification.
- Savioke Relay is an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) that has found use for medication delivery and supply transport.
- Aethon TUG is another AMR that is used for inventory management and lab sample transport.
- Xenex LightStrike is a UVC Disinfection Robotthat is primarily used for room disinfection.
For healthcare administrators, this shift means adapting to a technology-driven workflow. Professionals must learn to oversee these systems, troubleshoot issues, and ensure seamless operation.
While robotics streamlines processes, it also highlights the need for human oversight and problem-solving capabilities.
Implications for Healthcare Job Roles
As robotics continues to integrate into healthcare, certain traditional tasks are being automated. While this doesn’t eliminate the need for healthcare professionals, it does create a demand for specialized skills and new roles focused on managing and optimizing robotic systems.
For instance, robotic surgery technicians are now essential members of surgical teams. These professionals maintain and operate robotic systems, ensuring they function flawlessly during procedures. Similarly, biomedical engineers specializing in robotics are actively in demand for developing and improving these technologies.
Even roles that traditionally involved hands-on care, like nursing, are evolving. Nurses now use robotic assistants for tasks such as medication delivery and patient monitoring. This integration allows nurses to allocate more time to personalized care, emphasizing empathy and communication.
To thrive in the age of robotics, healthcare professionals must prioritize upskilling. Acquiring technical knowledge about robotic systems and their applications is essential. Training programs, workshops, and certifications focused on medical robotics are becoming increasingly important.
Degrees in biomedical engineering or health informatics with a focus on robotics provide a strong foundation for entering this field.
Embracing the Future of Healthcare Careers
The future of healthcare lies at the intersection of robotics and human expertise. This transformative era offers unparalleled opportunities for professionals ready to adapt and innovate.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, now is the time to prepare for this technological revolution. Let us help you find roles and training programs that align with your skills and aspirations. We can also help you explore opportunities in robotics-enhanced healthcare today and take the fi
