Data on Public Hospital Robotics Deployment, Clinical Outcomes and Long-term Impact on Healthcare Manpower
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the deployment of surgical and service robots in public hospitals and their impact on clinical outcomes and healthcare manpower demands. Dr Choo Pei Ling inquired about robotics' effects on staff workload and the Ministry’s plans to track job redesign and productivity indicators. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung replied that hospitals utilize robotic-assisted systems with outcomes comparable to conventional surgery while helping mitigate manpower shortages in supportive roles. He stated that automation improves operational efficiency and patient care, helping to manage rising workloads for nursing and allied health staff. The Ministry intends to commission a detailed academic study on the impact of these technologies at an appropriate juncture.
Transcript
18 Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many public hospitals currently deploy (i) surgical robots and (ii) non-clinical service robots such as for logistics, cleaning and patient assistance; and (b) what has been the measured impact of such robots on clinical outcomes, patient safety, staff workload and productivity.
19 Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the long-term impact of robotics and automation on healthcare manpower demands in nursing, allied health and support care roles; and (b) whether there are plans to track and publish indicators on job redesign and productivity gains from robotics in the public healthcare sector.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Public hospitals, such as the National University Hospital, the Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, have deployed robotic-assisted surgical (RAS) systems for minimally invasive soft-tissue surgeries. These hospitals possess relevant clinical expertise and sufficient demand based on accepted clinical indications to justify procurement of these RAS systems. The results, such as clinical outcomes and post-operative complications, for conditions indicated under RAS have so far been comparable to conventional surgical approaches.
Robotics and automation technologies can potentially improve operational efficiency, ease staff workload and improve care to patients. With rising patient numbers and workload, appropriate usage of such technology can help mitigate the manpower shortages in the healthcare sector, including allied health and supportive roles over time. At an appropriate juncture, we can commission a detailed academic study on its impact.