Healthcare robots and human generations: Consequences for nursing and healthcare

Abstract

Background: Intelligent machines reinforce global technological reliance, maintaining their primacy in healthcare environments. Healthcare robots as intelligent machines foster proficient healthcare, although not much is known about these outcomes. Generation Z, Millennials, and Baby Boomers are expected to value healthcare robots more significantly. Aim: This opinion paper explores healthcare reliance on technologies particularly intelligent healthcare robots and examines the utilitarian functionalities of technologies impacted by human generations. Methods: Discursive contents were derived from relevant literature surveyed during the past decade regarding healthcare robots, intelligent machines, and human generational consequences. Findings: Generational effects of healthcare robots existed. Despite being technology-natives, Generation “Z” were more adaptive, from uncertainty and emotional attachments to fearful engagements; Millennials were more trusting of robots while Baby boomers as target markets of robots showed broad-minded acceptance, especially after experiencing them. Three theories of nursing are advanced to explain the primacy of healthcare robot technologies; Transactive Relationship Theory of Nursing, Model for the Intermediary Role of Nurses in Transactive Relationships with Healthcare Robots and Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing. Discussion: Reliance on technologies is a significant and egalitarian consequence of technologies, and AI offers inimitable generational consequences. Technology-dependency reflective of generational focus on effectiveness and impact on healthcare foster responsive nursing practice. Prioritising healthcare robot efficiencies in practice engenders nursing as integral to human health and well-being. Conclusion: Consequences of healthcare robots in practice should distinguish generational positions. Professional nurses and multidisciplinary researchers need to legitimise healthcare robots as integral to nursing and human healthcare.