The Intermediary Roles of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in Utilizing Communication Robots (CRs) in Community Health Care Practice

Chihiro Kawai,Tetsuya Tanioka,Yoko Nakano,Tomoya Yokotani,Yuko Yasuhara,Ryuichi Tanioka,Kyoko Osaka,Hirokazu Ito,Feni Betriana,Rozzano Locsin

doi:10.4236/health.2019.1112121

Abstract

Robot technology is expected to reduce the burden of medical professionals, a concern in the super-aged society. The aim of this article is to determine the intermediary roles of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in using Communication Robots (CRs) in Community Health care. It is necessary to consider who will manage, and how to draw lines of responsibility when a problem occurs when using robots in the future. Regarding the mediator or intermediary role of PHNs in the use of CRs, PHNs are expected to be cognizant of varieties of robots for use with persons of diverse ages and health levels, as well as of robot performances. As one of the community healthcare workers who service the elderly living in the community, the role of PHNs as mediators or intermediaries is to pay attention to ethical and moral issues while working with CRs to manage the health of the community. Lack of understanding of the intermediary role might create possible ethico-moral issues in the future. Therefore, it is critical for PHNs to understand their role as intermediaries. In doing so, it is expected that older people at home will be able to live peaceful lives, as well as be physically and mentally healthy.

Highlights

It is necessary to consider who will manage and draw the lines of responsibility when a problem occurs in using robots in the future
After considering the advantages and disadvantages of using robots, it is necessary to provide older adults at their homes with Communication Robots (CRs) according to their situation of health care need
The Public Health Nurses (PHNs) are on the side of the user to ensure the quality of service so that the CRs can be operated smoothly

Summary

Introduction

Even though Japan’s total population is predicted to decline in the future, the aging rate continues to increase because of the number of older adults [3]. Due to the declining birthrate and increasing aging population, it is estimated that a shortage of care workers supporting older adult care will be evident soon [4]. For these reasons, the promotion of independent home life for older adults, the reduction of care burden, and the shortage of health care workers in hospitals and facilities are becoming critical issues in health care. Humanoid robots are being introduced to medical and nursing care environments that are imbued with medical and nursing care functions [3]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion