As technology continues to grow exponentially, we are finding more ways to incorporate them into helping society improve. An example of this that I wanted to delve into is the use of therapeutic robots, specifically for patients with dementia. There have been several types of these robots on the market that can track, bond, and administer data about a patient instead of having a 24/7 caretaker in the home. The robots are able to talk with the patient, tell them when to take their medicine, and document anything that happens. The information is then relayed onto a server, in which the customer has no access to. The security threats for this technology are very in depth and cumbersome. It is scary to know that all of your data is located in a place where you have to access to. The server has unique data such as medical history, daily activities, and records anything you say while the robot is in action and functioning. According to studied, the robots help reduce depression in patients and boost self esteem. They act as a pet who does not need to be fed or taken care of.
Even if these robots can be very helpful in improving the lives of elderly people with mental conditions, the security threats are very evident and terrifying. Anyone can hack into a database and recall any unique information and data that is held in the tables. It is even more scary because the customers have no access to the database and they do not know what exactly is being stored about them.
Questions:
1. Is the use of these robots worth the security threats that are posed?
2. Could this technology be further used maybe in children with cognitive disorders such as Autism or even something more serious like Schizophrenia?
3. Do you think the customers should be able to access the database and see the exact data and information that is being held about them?
This is a link to an interesting YouTube video that shows how it works:
Click Here to View! - link broken. Search "pets and dementia" for many examples.
Original article:
Dementia Care Gets Innovative
Hello Jake! What a fun and interesting article. To answer your questions: 1.) I feel that they are definitely worth the risk. We already live in such risks where data is easily taken through our personal accounts and or devices. It would not be something new - rather another tweak to work upon. 2.) I do feel that it is possible. But at the same time I worry, as their brains are still developing until they are early/mid 20's and it could have a negative effect. One being that they get accustomed to fake interactions rather than real ones - with real doctors, nurses, family members, and their friends. I feel it be more problematic here. 3.) YES - it is a persons right to know what information is being taken from them - otherwise it is unethical and demonstrates a lack of confidentiality for themselves. A side note - I would have really liked to keep reading more! I am going to look into it in my spare time. Great job! -Andrea Talbot
ReplyDelete1. I think that the risk is worth it. No matter what, there will always be risks associated with technology especially as it continues to progress. A good way to help mitigate this risk would potentially be having the person train the patients on how to help protect their data while training the patient on how to use the robot pet.
ReplyDelete2. I think this technology could be very beneficial to patients with Autism. Children with Autism do not understand all of the human emotions so if they had a tool that could have conversations with them. Children with Autism sometimes will say inappropriate things to others without realizing those consequences so if they had a robot that could help correct their behavior without being rude could be very beneficial.
3. I think the customers should be able to access the data since it is about them however I think there should be a lot of security around them getting access to it so that it can not be easily hacked. I think having a patient portal that shared key information, not everything, could be useful.
Interesting article Jake. Although this sounds like an innovative step forward in medical technology, I don't know if the idea of robotic caretakers sits well with me. I feel that a robotic caretaker could be helpful but also potentially unhealthy for the mental state of someone with dementia. People need not to neglect the person-to-person contact necessary to feel human. It's even more interesting you pointed out that "the robots help reduce depression in patients and boost self esteem." I'd like to know the sample size of the studies and how in-depth they really tested for mental side effects.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article Jake. Although this sounds like an innovative step forward in medical technology, I don't know if the idea of robotic caretakers sits well with me. I feel that a robotic caretaker could be helpful but also potentially unhealthy for the mental state of someone with dementia. People need not to neglect the person-to-person contact necessary to feel human. It's even more interesting you pointed out that "the robots help reduce depression in patients and boost self esteem." I'd like to know the sample size of the studies and how in-depth they really tested for mental side effects.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the mess, had to repost using my UA account. The 'Unknown' comment was originally me.
To answer your questions broadly, I think I would need more information before deciding that a robot caretaker is worthwhile. I think the first concern would be as you pointed out, the security. There is a lot of sensitive information stored about these patients, and while you hope they wouldn't be the target of hacking, it is still a possibility. Next, I agree with everyone else in that I think the person-to-person interaction is important for the health of the patients, whether it be the elderly with dementia or a child with a cognitive disorder. My last concern would be with patient acceptance of technology, especially with elderly patients. I would be interested to see how they respond with the technology and how accepting they are.
ReplyDeleteHey Jake,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very thought provoking article. To answer your questions:
1). I think that security threats are worth it for the potential gain that robots can offer us. This would free up the need to have younger people spend time at home caring for their sick relatives and can go and be a more productive member of society. One of the major flaws though would be the possibility of them being hacked and valuable medical information being stolen.
2). I believe that these robots would be able to help kids with different health concerns. That being sad, leaving a young kid with JUST the robot may be crossing the line some into carelessness.
3). I do not believe that customers should be able to access the database to see what is being said about them. Even right now, with human doctors, you do not have access into these databases. The doctors need to servers to best see how to treat the patient, the patient does not need access to these.
Best,
Gavin Martin
Interesting idea that could decrease the amount of time a doctor or nurse has to spend with a patient which could be helpful financially, but might cause problems in other areas. The main objection would be that humans require social interaction. Only speaking to a robot could potentially cause more problems for a sick person. The robots should be used alongside the care a patient needs from an in person doctor.
ReplyDeleteWow Jake, this is some very intriguing technology news. I think that technology has a lot of great applications for healthcare, and this could be just one more interesting one. However with that being said, I think you are right to wonder about the security concerns that something like this might bring. If hackers can currently take access of the webcam on your computer and use it without you knowing it, or track the keystrokes that you type, then this robotic pet could be a gold mine. These pets could be especially targeted because I assume many of their users would be older, and have more money thus making them a better target. Time will tell how this plays out, but great article.
ReplyDelete