Increasing Access to Care with Surgical Robots

Robotics in medicine is a relatively new concept. The first FDA-approved robotic system was cleared for use just three decades ago. This system, AESOP (Automated Endoscopic System for Optimal Positioning), assisted surgeons in minimally invasive endoscopies by allowing voice or computer-controlled maneuvering of the endoscope inside the patient. By the early 2000s, this system evolved into ZEUS – a system with three robotic arms offering precise control for minimally invasive microsurgery procedures.

Since then, advancements in robotic surgery have rapidly progressed, as the demand for minimally invasive surgery has risen and technological developments in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) have taken off. The global medical robotics market today is estimated at $4.4 billion and growing at over 19.3% annually, expected to reach $18.2 billion in 2030. Surgical applications continue to expand and include urology, gynecology, cardiology, neurology and orthopedics among others. Today, a surgeon can even be in a different time zone performing a routine procedure using robotic telesurgery. The wider adoption of surgical robots has the potential to increase patient access to necessary procedures.

The rise in robotic technology has opened the doors for new opportunities in the healthcare space for hospitals, surgeons, and patients. For hospitals, investing in robotic technology can serve as a market driver to attract top talent and improve productivity. Surgeon education is another key benefit, as simulation platforms can provide surgical robotic training and allow surgeons to practice procedures and improve their skills via robotics controls. For patients, the use of surgical robotics can lead to shorter hospital stays and reduced post-surgical problems.

Hospitals and healthcare systems may also expand access to care for patients not physically located near experienced surgeons. New developments in sensors and haptics providing better feedback for robot operators, along with improved 5G connections, may enable more surgeons to operate on patients from different locations.

Another secondary opportunity in medical robotics lies in their potential to fill gaps created by the healthcare worker shortage. For example, while the U.S. healthcare system as a whole has seen a drop of more than 500,000 workers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this shortage is part of a much larger trend that began pre-pandemic. According to a study from the Association of American Medical Colleges, “the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034.”

The role of autonomous robots may be expanded to address this shortage and ensure the continued quality of patient care and reduce physical demands on human workers. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), can simplify routine tasks such as keeping track of inventory, placing timely orders, and cleaning and disinfection. Social robots can also help with heavy lifting, such as moving beds or patients. While they will never be able to fully replace the highly skilled professionals in the field, assistive tools will allow doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to spend more time providing direct patient care.

Although medical robotics is still very much an evolving field, one barrier to wider adoption is the higher price tag associated with the technology – particularly when hospitals and providers are seeking ways to manage costs in today’s inflationary environment. For hospitals looking to acquire advanced robotics, financing can offer greater payment flexibility without tying up available capital. Custom solutions can be tailored to specific budgeting needs, making the equipment more attainable for customers and enabling them to improve the patient experience with the latest advances in medicine.

If you would like to learn more about how financing can support the acquisition of surgical robots, please contact us.