Do Robots Have a Place in Healthcare? | Asembia's AXS25 Summit

Healthcare may someday include not only AI but also technology like robots, drones, augmented and virtual reality, according to George Van Antwerp, SVP of product innovation and strategic planning at Prime Therapeutics.

In a recent video interview with Managed Healthcare Executive, Van Antwerp cited an ongoing program at Cedars-Sinai using virtual and some augmented reality to address opportunities around pain management and weight loss. The program is led by Brennan M. Spiegel, M.D., director of health services research for Cedars-Sinai.

“When I talked to [Spiegel] about a year ago, there were even some things they were doing around people having a baby and how you could use virtual reality in the mental health world, so I do see a lot of hope in that space,” Van Antwerp said.

George Van Antwerp

Additionally, he explained that the "robot" is diverse. He said that outside of the United States, there are instances of robots being able to serve as a caregiver and assist if a patient has limited mobility, but robots can be simplified as well, especially when it comes to pharmacies moving toward central fill from a retail perspective.

“We all think of robots as walking around and doing stuff, but there's lots of robotics that can just fill a bottle, can fold a bag up, can screw a cap on, all the things that can be done to make that more efficient,” Van Antwerp said. “I do think those will continue to push as we get pressure on efficiency of care delivery in the United States and other places.”

As for drones, Van Antwerp said that within the next five, six or seven years, it’s possible that temperature-controlled “intelligent mailboxes” will be developed for drone prescription delivery.

“I don't think drones will start by dropping a $200,000 cancer medication, but if you're putting a $10 generic medication on a drone that's fairly light and can get it to a rural location, I think that’s really interesting.”

Van Antwerp spoke at this year's Asembia AXS25 Summit, held this week in Las Vegas. He co-hosted a session yesterday called ‘Beyond AI: What Other Technologies Will Affect Pharmacy?’