The HospiBot project is still in the development phase of the robots that will be developed during the 3-year project period. Nevertheless, there is work to be done to test the robot when it is ‘ready for use’. The HospiBot robot consists of a mobile base to which different modules can be connected on top, depending on the task at hand. Currently under consideration is how to design the 3 different modules for the robot tobe used, probably going to be a lone logistics robot, a signpost robot and a patrolling robot.
Not all robot modules will be tested at individual hospitals.
The test group consists of 3 hospitals in Denmark (University Hospitals in Køge (SUH), in Odense (OUH) and in Southern Jutland (SHS)), and in Germany, the University Hospital in Kiel is participating in the testing. In Denmark, each hospital has had its own approach to preparing staff for the upcoming tests.
At OUH, they have for many years had a ‘mailbox’ where staff write in ideas and wishes for digitalisation and future robotics. Through this, the hospital is in dialogue with employees and keeps a finger on the pulse. At SUH, they have chosen to make contact only when testing is approaching and at Southern Jutland Hospital, we interviewed employees to investigate relevant use cases for testing the robot and to ensure that expectations are aligned. At SHS, we thought it was important to involve the healthcare staff and to clarify their needs and opinions, as it is with them and on their wards that the tests will be performed. Furthermore, it has allowed them to voice their concerns, ask questions, and make realistic suggestions on how they think a robot can help utilise staff resources most effectively. It also gave us the opportunity to inform and clarify the purpose and potential of what HospiBot will be able to contribute.
We have since worked with SUH to contact healthcare professionals as they were struggling to figure out how to reach out. From SHS, we, therefore, sent the description of how we chose to do it. We also held a meeting with them.
Involving the healthcare professionals on their terms ensured a positive collaboration between the project and the potential users. The initial reservation towards the project turned into something positive, creating an interest in participating instead of being perceived as an intrusion or a disruption in their daily work.
The next step for us is to contact more departments in the same way as described for the other healthcare professionals.
In total, we will approach three locations so we are ready to test all three robots if needed
From Trine Fredskild, Sabine Paasch Olsen, Julie Ramskov.
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Sabine Paasch Olsen
Trine Fredskild