Future Tense

Technology: Remote Presence (RP-7) system with StrokeRESPOND function.

Manufacturer: InTouch Health, Santa Barbara, CA.

Purpose: Extends geographical reach of stroke specialists and offers more timely delivery of stroke care.

Early adopter: Michigan Stroke Network deploys to rural hospitals.

What it does: Wireless, mobile, remote presence robot allows physicians to be in two places at once. Under the direct control of a remote physician seated at a control station, RP-7 can move untethered, allowing the physician to interact with patients, family members, and hospital staff from anywhere. The StrokeRESPOND function is software that supports the specialist’s acute stroke management workflow. Data can be entered into a secure Web site as it is captured by the ED staff and accessed immediately by the consulting stroke expert.

Potential Improvement: Because of its mobile nature, the RP-7 StrokeRESPOND function gives specialists the ability to work with stroke patients in remote locations.

What’s Next: More extensive home use of telehealth assistive mobile robots that aid stroke patient rehabilitation by providing monitoring, encouragement, and reminders.

—Kathryn Mackenzie