Calgary Scientific in Canada and Nebraska Medicine in Omaha collaborated to offer a robotic telepresence in the hospital's pediatric oncology ward.
"Dr. Double," a DoubleRobotics robot that functions as a motorized mount for an iPad that can be controlled remotely, was dressed up in a cowboy hat, bandana and white coat as it moved from room to room and conversed with patients. Using the iPad, a physician in a remote location can interact with patients on the other end while also controlling the movements of the robot.
Tools like Dr. Double allow patient engagement in the healing process that goes beyond medical treatment, according to Kenneth Cowan, MD, PhD, a physician at Nebraska Medicine.
"The opportunities to use technology like this are limitless," Lisa Wallace-Spech, a child life specialist for Nebraska Medicine, said in a statement. "It challenges us to think of different ways we can engage kids. Some of our kids are in isolation and this provides the opportunity to bring the world to them."