Projects

Robots to augment the care team at the Emergency Department (ED)

Project Categories

Care Process & Redesign

Technology

Platform

National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals

Cluster

SingHealth

31 December 2024

Increase efficiency and productivity by integrating autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for patient wayfinding, blanket. AMRs have successfully augmented ED operations.

Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024

Tags: Technology, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Assistive Technology, Robotics, Digital Health, Mobile Health, Digitalisation, Automation, Value Based Care, Procurement, Time Saving, Safe Care, Patient Satisfaction

About this Content

Aims

Increase efficiency and productivity by integrating autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for patient wayfinding, blanket distribution, and medication delivery.

Background

CGH’s ED serves over 350 outpatients daily. Increasing manpower was not a viable long-term option. Deploying manpower strategically to maximize patient care was essential.

Methods

Implemented three AMRs (EDi, BLANKi, MEDi) to assist with wayfinding, blanket distribution, and medication delivery in the ED. Robots navigated autonomously and interacted with users via touchscreen and voice communication.

Results

Reduced manpower burden on repetitive tasks. EDi saved 1.5 hours per day, MEDi saved 2 hours per day, and BLANKi improved patient comfort. Staff had more valuable patient interaction time.

Conclusion

AMRs have successfully augmented ED operations. Future plans include scaling up robotic assistance across more hospital departments.

Lessons Learnt

AI-powered robots enhance workflow efficiency while maintaining patient safety. Optimized deployment improves resource allocation.

Keywords

Autonomous Mobile Robots, Medication Delivery, Robotics Technology, Sensors, Emergency Department, Patient Experience

Innovators' Details

Healthcare Cluster(s)	SingHealth
Organization(s) Involved	Changi General Hospital
Platform(s)	National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
Healthcare Professional Group(s)	Nursing, Medical, Pharmacy
Applicable Specialty or Discipline	Emergency Medicine, Medical ＆ Laboratory Technology
Project Lead(s)	Vivienne Ho Pek Sien
Project Member(s)	Choong Pei Wah Elaine Leong Mayuree Paengchompoo Brendan Chew Chan Kim Geok Ong Mui Kiang Zhang Na Seah Ngee Chuan Chow Weiling Azreena Binte Zamree Jocelyn Loh Lim Chui Ping Lim Shwu Juin Hong Kin Boon Maryjane Liao Flores Jonathan Yeo Desmond Khoo Megan Wong Jeremy Lim Azfar Bin Jalil Ho Wan Qi Irene Ang Edward Fung

Connect with this contributor!

Ms. Choong Pei Wah - pei_wah_choong@cgh.com.sg

Project Attachment

988_CGH_NHIP_2024_Robots_to_augment_the_care_team_at_the_Emergency_Department_ED.pdf