Big Hero 6's Baymax

Published May 6, 2015

546 Posts

I watched the movie Big Hero 6 with my daughter. For those who haven't seen it, it is about a robot named Baymax. Baymax is a healthcare robot. Designed to assist with all healthcare needs -- prevention, emergencies, daily care, etc.

Baymax is programmed for patient satisfaction and will not turn off until the patient is satisfied. Baymax repeats the line, "I cannot deactivate until you say you are satisfied with your care" to the point of aggravating his "client" (the brother of Baymax's designer).

I couldn't help but wonder if the writers had intimate knowledge of the healthcare industry. Maybe a loved one who is a nurse. Baymax's line is so reflective of the whole customer- satisfaction- above- all- else movement that is going on in hospitals nowadays. CEO's would love it if nurses could be programmed to act like Baymax. Here's the scenario I imagine:

Nurse finishes task and then says: "I cannot leave your room until you are satisfied with your care. Press the green button on your call bell for 'yes', red for 'no'."

If the patient presses the red button the nurse will say, "I want you to be satisfied with your care. What can I do to make you press 'yes'? The door will remain locked and I cannot leave your room until you are satisfied."

Furious people pleasing and aggravation ensues while trying to satisfy the patient and get released from the room.

If you haven't seen the movie, you should. It's a kid's movie but one that has enough to entertain an adult.