Care Robots: From Tools of Care to Training Opportunities. Moral Considerations

Abstract

New technology should not perceived as a threat: on the contrary, it is a resource. It is our job to use it in the most appropriate way. Moreover, new technology can make a significant contribution to nurse training: for example, immersion into virtual reality with a visor and a simple application does not only allow one to experience fantastic adventures, but also to enjoy a relationship with the patient through simulation. Also, virtual reality can promote patient/teacher interaction: both, for example, can be projected or immersed in virtual reality, or the teacher can project his 'virtual' image into a real scenario. However, robots too could contribute to training nursing staff: health operator training courses today widely use dummies which are appropriately planned for standing training. They are increasingly true-to-life, favouring empathy with the clinical situation simulated each time and allowing the student to exercise not only technical abilities, but also critical thinking, the ability to work in a team and communication skills. We shall examine some moral questions linked to the increasingly frequent use of human-faceted robots to train nursing staff.

Care Robots and Bioethics: A Discussion Paper on Moral Standing of New Training Opportunities

“…Work-related stress (WRS) is one of the main psychosocial risks found in the workplace. According to Eurostat data (2019), stress is the second most common health problem among workers after musculoskeletal disorders. WRS entails high costs, both for individuals, who may see their health deteriorate and their quality of life worsen, and for organisations, which are affected by the costs of absenteeism, reduced productivity, and high staff turnover.…”