Physiotherapy – robot style. Could this be the long-term future of some NHS [National Health Service] care?

这是机器人提供的物理治疗。这会不会是在长远的未来，英国国民医疗服务体系（NHS）提供部分服务的方式？

 

Here at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, they're experimenting with a robot programmed to interact with patients for simple forms of physio. Another possible use might be basic bedside checks.

布里斯托尔的索斯米德医院正在试验一种机器人，它可以按照预设的程序与病人进行简单的理疗互动。它的另一个潜在用途是进行基本的床边检查。

 

Robot

Remember not to take your medication on an empty stomach.

机器人

“记住，不要空腹吃药。”

 

Use for real is still some way off, but hospital leaders think this could help ease workforce¹ pressure.

虽然距离真正投入使用，还有待时日，但医院领导们认为这有助于缓解人手紧缺的压力。

 

Dr Tim Whittlestone, Deputy Medical Director, Southmead Hospital

Everyone understands that people want more out of healthcare as they live longer. We have not enough workforce to deliver those demands, and of course, robotics and technology can be taught to do mundane², repeat menial tasks.

蒂姆·惠特斯顿医生       索斯米德医院副医疗主管

“每个人都明白，随着人们寿命的增长，他们对医疗保健的需求会增多。我们没有足够的人手来满足这些需求，当然，我们可以利用机器人和科技来执行琐碎而繁复的粗活。”

 

The hospital is working with the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, looking at future care of patients in their own homes. This device can be controlled remotely to help with basic household tasks.

这家医院正在和布里斯托尔机器人实验室合作，研究未来如何能让患者在自家接受护理。这个设备可以被远程控制，帮人做基本的家务活。

 

Technology can clearly help those who need assistance at home, but might people feel they lose out from lack of human contact?

科技显然可以为那些在家中需要帮忙的人助一臂之力，但人们会不会因此觉得失去了人际交流能带来的益处？

 

Professor Praminda Caleb-Solly, Bristol Robotics Laboratory

In no way are we looking to replace people, because I myself wouldn't want that. So, I wouldn't want to think about that as a possibility for anyone else. The idea here is to augment³ and improve the care provision and the quality of care that can be provided.

普拉敏达·凯勒布·索利教授       布里斯托尔机器人实验室

“我们绝不是想让机器人替代人类，因为我自己不想这样。所以，我不想让这种情况在其他人身上成为可能。我们开发机器人是为了增强并改善护理服务和质量。”

 

And away from patients, there's automation. Robotic portering delivers most supplies around the hospital, including to operating theatres and meals for the wards⁴. They even have their own lifts. Because they do the heavy manual work, staff injuries have been reduced.

在没有病人的地方，也有自动化技术的身影。机器人搬运工在医院运送大部分的物资，包括手术室物资和病房膳食。它们甚至有专用电梯。因为有机器人做重活儿，员工受伤情况得以减少。

 

Robot technology is also at work in the hospital pharmacy⁵. Orders for medicines are processed rapidly and made ready for clinical teams. Pharmacists say it improves patient safety by eliminating human error.

机器人技术在医院药房中也大显身手。机器设备能够迅速处理收到的药单，把药物准备好给临床团队。药剂师们表示，这项技术消除了人为错误，从而使病人更安全。

 

Hugh Pym, BBC Health Editor

Whether they're moving supplies around hospitals or having direct contact with patients, robotic devices are thought to offer, potentially, major long-term benefits to the NHS. But there are big questions over what that will mean for patients' experiences and the impact on staff.

休·皮姆       BBC卫生事务编辑

“不论是在医院运送物资，还是直接与病人接触，机器人设备都被认为有可能给国民医疗服务体系带来巨大的长远好处。但这对病人的感受和对员工有多大的影响，还存在很大的疑问。”

 

Helen Stokes Lampard, Chair, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

I'm excited about the increased use of technology in care homes, but also throughout the NHS. There's tremendous potential there. But of course, as a scientist, I want to see the evidence too. I want to make sure that things are safe, that they are effective, and there are no unexpected side effects or consequences.

海伦·斯托克斯·兰帕德       皇家医学院院长

“我很高兴见到养老院以及整个国民医疗服务体系越来越多地使用科技。这里有巨大的潜力。当然，作为一名科学家，我也想看到技术发挥作用的证据。我想确保一切都是安全有效的，而且没有意想不到的副作用或后果。”

 

They won't necessarily offer cups of tea or even look like this. But the fact that hospital leaders are working with engineers on robotics, shows there is a radical⁶ vision for post-pandemic health and care.

机器人不一定会帮你泡茶，也不一定长成这样。但医院领导与机器人工程师合作的事实表明，人们对新冠疫情后的医疗保健抱有重大愿景。

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