key: cord-0784513-wa6zk4x6
authors: Lociciro, Adrien; Guillon, Antoine; Bodet-Contentin, Laetitia
title: A telepresence robot in the room of a COVID-19 patient can provide virtual family presence
date: 2021-06-08
journal: Can J Anaesth
DOI: 10.1007/s12630-021-02039-6
sha: 8b7a401d56741a2418e483981e01d8ec36eeb9a4
doc_id: 784513
cord_uid: wa6zk4x6

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Here, we show a remote-controlled robot that helps to support communication between patients and their relatives. The robot is fully equipped with communication technology and is controlled by the family who becomes present from a distant location and can virtually explore the room (Figure) . Conscious patients can communicate with the avatar of the family with a certain degree of independence and privacy ( Figure) . The family can be virtually present at the bedside and receive daily information during nursing care or participate in family conferences with ICU clinicians. Family members of unconscious patients can be introduced to the ICU environment and have a better understanding of the situation.

By providing a virtual presence of patients' families, psychological distress may be reduced in in critically ill patients (able to see their loved-one despite the lifethreatening situation) and family members (feeling less guilty for not being more present, being able to observe their loved one, and being reassured about their comfort). A telepresence robot in isolation rooms may limit the psychological burden of limited visits. A) The robot is a wheeled device, controlled from a remote location that can move in the room or adjust its head rotation to optimize face-to-face meetings. It includes a tablet with 4G connectivity, video camera, screen, speakers, and microphones. A dedicated website is used to secure the connection and to avoid using personal login or phone numbers; no information is stored. It can be shared between patient rooms after an approved process of disinfection. B) The telepresence robot enhances communication between the relatives and the patient. The patient reported that the regular presence of unmasked familiar faces brought immediate relief.

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Acknowledgement We thank the patients, families, and caregivers.Author contribution The patient provided written permission to publish this report.Disclosures None.Funding statement The telepresence robot equipment was funded by ''Fond de dotation du CHU de Tours''.Editorial responsibility This submission was handled by Dr. Sangeeta Mehta, Associate Editor, Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/ Journal canadien d'anesthe´sie.