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Sørensen L, Johannesen DT, Johnsen HM. Humanoid robots for assisting people with physical disabilities in activities of daily living: a scoping review. Assist Technol 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38709552 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2337194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this scoping review was to gather, summarize, and map the knowledge of peoples' experiences on humanoid robots, capable of assisting people with activities of daily living. The review was guided by the framework of Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR. We found 44 papers describing nine robots that could assist with a variety of tasks listed in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. The mixed population experienced little or no anxiety toward the robots, and most accepted the robots' ability to monitor for safety reasons. Some participants disliked the robots' large size and slow movements. Most of the participants found the robots easy to use. They wanted improvements in the robots' functionality and the ability to personalize services. Several of the participants found the services interesting and useful, but not for themselves. The experiences of humanoid robotic assistance showed an insufficient level of technical readiness for assisting in physical assistance, a lack of personalization and readiness for use in home settings. The practical relevance of these findings lies in guiding future research and development toward a more individualized approach focusing on user needs and experiences to enhance the efficacy and integration of humanoid robots in health-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sørensen
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Research and Innovation, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
| | - Dag Tomas Johannesen
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Hege Mari Johnsen
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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Sørensen L, Johannesen DT, Melkas H, Johnsen HM. Care-receivers with physical disabilities' perceptions on having humanoid assistive robots as assistants: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:523. [PMID: 38664810 PMCID: PMC11044328 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10857-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with physical disabilities due to disease or injury face barriers to their daily activities and participation in society. Many depend on formal or informal caregivers for assistance to live independently. However, future healthcare challenges due to demographic changes threaten access to home care and assistants. Assistive technologies, such as robots for physical assistance, can support the independence and autonomy of people with physical disabilities. This study explore Norwegian care-receivers' perceptions of using robot assistance in their homes, including preferences for tasks acceptable or unacceptable for robot assistance and the underlying reasons. METHOD Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 18 participants, aged between 18 and 77 years, with differences in physical function including diagnoses such as stroke, spinal cord injury, amputations, and muscular dystrophy. Qualitative data were gathered through four focus group interviews wherein participants watched videos featuring a humanoid assistive robot, EVEr3. The collected data underwent analysis using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes with associated sub-themes were constructed: (a) How a robot could assist in daily life, (b) The robot's appearance and functionality, and (c) Concerns about having a robot as an assistant. The participants welcomed the idea of a future robotic assistant in areas that may contribute to an increased feeling of independence and autonomy. CONCLUSION A robot assisting in activities of daily living would need to be individually customized to meet the needs of each user in terms of which tasks to assist with, how to assist in these defined tasks, and how it is controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helinä Melkas
- Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Lappeenranta, Finland
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3
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Watanabe K, Miwa H, Wakui T, Kajitani I. Adopting the service system view toward successful implementation of assistive technologies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24 Suppl 1:74-80. [PMID: 38221515 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to provide an overview of the service system view (SSV), and the current status of its adoption for the development and implementation of assistive technology (AT). The role of ATs in the global aging scenario is anticipated; however, their diffusion is cumbersome. The SSV captures stakeholders, technologies, and their interactions as integrated systems. Based on this perspective, several approaches for designing long-term care services have been proposed that would be helpful for the successful implementation of ATs. However, the existing geriatrics and gerontology literature seldom addresses these topics. Based on a literature review, this study first illustrates the challenges of using ATs in the real world. The existing literature highlights the sociotechnical challenges of utilizing ATs, such as the changes required in care work and resistance to them. To overcome the challenges, three approaches associated with the SSV have been introduced: service design, service engineering and living labs. This paper also introduces recent national projects in Japan that have adopted these approaches. As the importance of the SSV is growing for the successful implementation of ATs, the ability to adopt the SSV and its approaches is anticipated. In relation to geriatrics and gerontology studies, the impact on older adults' quality of life, as well as the economic effect, needs to be analyzed in future research. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 74-80.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Watanabe
- Human Augmentation Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Miwa
- Human Augmentation Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Wakui
- Human Care Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Japan
- Research & Development Center for Health Services, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Isamu Kajitani
- Human Augmentation Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kashiwa, Japan
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Tobis S, Piasek-Skupna J, Suwalska A. The Godspeed Questionnaire Series in the Assessment of the Social Robot TIAGo by Older Individuals. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7251. [PMID: 37631787 PMCID: PMC10458894 DOI: 10.3390/s23167251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: A robot in care for older adults requires solid research confirming its acceptance. The aim of this study was to present the Polish version of the Godspeed Questionnaire Series (GQS) and assess the perception of the social robot TIAGo; (2) Methods: The study involved older individuals living in the community and care homes and measured perception after interaction with TIAGo using five series of GQS (S1: Anthropomorphism, S2: Animacy, S3: Likeability, S4: Perceived intelligence, and S5: Perceived safety); (3) Results: We studied 178 individuals (age: 75.2 ± 9.6 years, 103 women). Good internal consistency was found. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.90 for the entire tool (from 0.75 to 0.94 for the individual series). Mean scores for S1 and S2 were comparable but lower than all others (p < 0.001). Average scores for S3 and S4 did not differ but were higher than those of S5. Age, gender and education did not impact the answers, as did the ease of use of technology and self-assessment of independence. Solely, the place of residence influenced the results of S3 and S5; people living in institutions scored higher (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively); (4) Conclusions: Acceptance does not go hand in hand with the perception of anthropomorphism and animacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slawomir Tobis
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Joanna Piasek-Skupna
- Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland;
- Chair and Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-245 Poznan, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Suwalska
- Department of Mental Health, Chair of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
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Tobis S, Piasek-Skupna J, Neumann-Podczaska A, Suwalska A, Wieczorowska-Tobis K. The Effects of Stakeholder Perceptions on the Use of Humanoid Robots in Care for Older Adults: Postinteraction Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46617. [PMID: 37540548 PMCID: PMC10439472 DOI: 10.2196/46617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficient use of humanoid social robots in the care for older adults requires precise knowledge of expectations in this area. There is little research in this field that includes the interaction of stakeholders with the robot. Even fewer studies have compared the perceptions of older people (as care recipients) and professional caregivers (representing those taking care of older adults in teams with robots). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze whether specific aspects of the perceptions about humanoid robots influence attitudes after interacting with the robot and to compare the opinions of different stakeholders (older people and their professional caregivers) on this topic. We analyzed the potential impact of the differences in perception of the robot between stakeholder groups with respect to how the robot should be designed and tailored to fit the specific needs of future users. We also attempted to define areas where targeted educational activities could bring the attitudes of the two groups of stakeholders closer to each other. METHODS The studied group was a conveniently available sample of individuals who took part in the presentation of and interaction with a humanoid social robot. Among them, there were 48 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥60 years), who were participants of day care units (which may signal the presence of self-care needs), and 53 professional caregivers. The participants were asked to express their views after an interaction with a humanoid social robot (TIAGo) using the Users' Needs, Requirements and Abilities Questionnaire (UNRAQ) and the Godspeed Questionnaire Series (GQS). RESULTS Compared to the caregivers, older adults not only assessed the robot more positively with respect to its roles as a companion and assistant (P=.009 and P=.003, respectively) but also had higher scores on their need to increase their knowledge about the robot (P=.049). Regarding the robot's functions, the greatest differences between groups were observed for the social aspects on the UNRAQ, including decreasing the sense of loneliness (P=.003) and accompanying the user in everyday activities (P=.005). As for the GQS, the mean scores of the Animacy, Likeability, and Perceived Intelligence scales were significantly higher for older participants than for caregivers (P=.04, P<.001, and P<.001, respectively). The only parameter for which the caregivers' scores were higher than those of the older adults was the Artificial-Lifelike item from the Anthropomorphism scale of the GQS (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS The acceptance of the social functions of a humanoid robot is related to its perception in all analyzed aspects, whereas the expected usefulness of a care robot is not linked to aspects of anthropomorphism. Successful implementation of robots in the care for older people thus depends on considering not only the fears, needs, and requirements of various stakeholders but also on the perceptions of the robot. Given the differences between the stakeholders, targeted and properly structured educational and training activities for caregivers and prospective users may enable a seamless integration of robotic technologies in care provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slawomir Tobis
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Piasek-Skupna
- Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Suwalska
- Department of Mental Health, Chair of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Yamazaki R, Nishio S, Nagata Y, Satake Y, Suzuki M, Kanemoto H, Yamakawa M, Figueroa D, Ishiguro H, Ikeda M. Long-term effect of the absence of a companion robot on older adults: A preliminary pilot study. FRONTIERS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fcomp.2023.1129506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Robotic assistive technology for frail older adults has drawn attention, along with raising ethical concerns. The ethical implications of a robot's usage have been characterized in the literature as detrimental, such as emotional deception, unhealthy attachment, and reduced human contact from a deontological perspective. These concerns require practical investigations, although the long-term effect of robot usage on older adults remains uncertain. Our longitudinal study aimed to investigate how older adults with cognitive decline could be affected by using a robot for communication in their homes and how this situation could be reflected in possible emotional attachment to the robot i.e., emotional distress from the robot being taken away once they had become attached to it. We selected 13 older adults living alone and set up a humanoid robot in their homes with whom they could interact at any time for a period of 1–4 months. Questionnaire results indicated participants had a close attachment to the robots even after they were taken away. Interviews revealed that participants became distressed without the robots; however, despite the distress caused by feeling lonely, participants reported that their relationships with the robots were meaningful and that they were satisfied with the memories of having had the robot as a companion. The results raised new questions for further investigation into issues that should be addressed and potential factors affecting the user's adaptation processes. Regarding the consequences of the use of a companion robot, it is important to evaluate the positive aspects of the robot's usage including the emotional support lasting after it was no longer available and other effects on the users. Accordingly, we emphasize the significance of real-world exploration into the effects on the users as well as theoretical reflection on appropriate robot usage.
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Liao YJ, Jao YL, Boltz M, Adekeye OT, Berish D, Yuan F, Zhao X. Use of a Humanoid Robot in Supporting Dementia Care: A Qualitative Analysis. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231179528. [PMID: 37324571 PMCID: PMC10265350 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231179528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive impairment significantly affects independence in persons with dementia, and consistent supervision is often needed. While interest has arisen in using humanoid robots, such as Pepper, to assist with daily caregiving activities, little is known about the perceptions of using Pepper to assist people with dementia. Objective This study aimed to explore the perceptions of nonhealthcare workers, care partners, and healthcare workers on the use of a Pepper robot in dementia care. Methods This was a secondary qualitative analysis. Data were collected from a pilot study conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 using an online survey. The survey consisted of quantitative and qualitative questions; this study only focused on the qualitative responses. The detailed procedures and the quantitative results were published elsewhere. Participants included nonhealthcare workers, care partners, and healthcare workers. Results A total of 194 participants responded to the open-ended question. Participants described potential benefits of Pepper including assisting with daily activities, monitoring safety and medication use, initiating reminders, and promoting activities and social interactions. Participants had concerns about privacy, cost, poor acceptance/trust, Pepper making mistakes, limitations in environmental navigation and responding to emergencies, misuse of Pepper, and Pepper replacing humans. Participants suggested that Pepper should be tailored to each individual's background, preferences, and functions and recommended improving the logistics of using Pepper, offering more emotional support and responses, and using a more natural appearance and voice. Conclusion Pepper may support dementia care; yet some concerns need to be addressed. Future research should consider incorporating these comments when designing robots for dementia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo-Jen Liao
- Pennsylvania State University, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Ying-Ling Jao
- Pennsylvania State University, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Marie Boltz
- Pennsylvania State University, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Olayemi Timothy Adekeye
- Pennsylvania State University, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Diane Berish
- Pennsylvania State University, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Fengpei Yuan
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Xiaopeng Zhao
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Platz T, Pedersen AL, Bobe S. Feasibility, coverage, and inter-rater reliability of the assessment of therapeutic interaction by a humanoid robot providing arm rehabilitation to stroke survivors using the instrument THER-I-ACT. Front Robot AI 2023; 10:1091283. [PMID: 36909363 PMCID: PMC9995750 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2023.1091283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The instrument THERapy-related InterACTion (THER-I-ACT) was developed to document therapeutic interactions comprehensively in the human therapist-patient setting. Here, we investigate whether the instrument can also reliably be used to characterise therapeutic interactions when a digital system with a humanoid robot as a therapeutic assistant is used. Methods: Participants and therapy: Seventeen stroke survivors receiving arm rehabilitation (i.e., arm basis training (ABT) for moderate-to-severe arm paresis [n = 9] or arm ability training (AAT) for mild arm paresis [n = 8]) using the digital therapy system E-BRAiN over a course of nine sessions. Analysis of the therapeutic interaction: A total of 34 therapy sessions were videotaped. All therapeutic interactions provided by the humanoid robot during the first and the last (9th) session of daily training were documented both in terms of their frequency and time used for that type of interaction using THER-I-ACT. Any additional therapeutic interaction spontaneously given by the supervising staff or a human helper providing physical assistance (ABT only) was also documented. All ratings were performed by two trained independent raters. Statistical analyses: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for the frequency of occurrence and time used for each category of interaction observed. Results: Therapeutic interactions could comprehensively be documented and were observed across the dimensions provision of information, feedback, and bond-related interactions. ICCs for therapeutic interaction category assessments from 34 therapy sessions by two independent raters were high (ICC ≥0.90) for almost all categories of the therapeutic interaction observed, both for the occurrence frequency and time used for categories of therapeutic interactions, and both for the therapeutic interaction performed by the robot and, even though much less frequently observed, additional spontaneous therapeutic interactions by the supervisory staff and a helper being present. The ICC was similarly high for an overall subjective rating of the concentration and engagement of patients (0.87). Conclusion: Therapeutic interactions can comprehensively and reliably be documented by trained raters using the instrument THER-I-ACT not only in the traditional patient-therapist setting, as previously shown, but also in a digital therapy setting with a humanoid robot as the therapeutic agent and for more complex therapeutic settings with more than one therapeutic agent being present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Platz
- Neurorehabilitation research group, University Medical Centre, Greifswald, Germany.,BDH-Klinik Greifswald, Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Evidence-Based Practice, An-Institut, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ann Louise Pedersen
- Neurorehabilitation research group, University Medical Centre, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stephanie Bobe
- Neurorehabilitation research group, University Medical Centre, Greifswald, Germany
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Abstract
Robotics offers an unprecedented means to support people's daily lives. However, human-robot interactions remain challenging because of the appearance of robots. Kawai et al. propose to overcome this by growing biological skin equivalents on robots. Their study opens new possibilities to further humanize perception of robots and improve human-robot interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio R Gullo
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4132 Muttenz, Switzerland.
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Moyle W, Murfield J, Lion K. Therapeutic use of the humanoid robot, Telenoid, with older adults: A critical interpretive synthesis review. Assist Technol 2022:1-8. [PMID: 35358024 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2022.2060375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This review sought to critically evaluate the use of the teleoperated humanoid robotic communications device, Telenoid, for therapeutic purposes with older adults, and identify and highlight key considerations for future research and clinical practice within gerontechnology. A critical interpretive synthesis was conducted, with nine electronic databases and online sources searched using the keyword "Telenoid." Studies were included in the review if they were: written in English; reported primary research; employed a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method design; and described or measured effects, experiences, or perceptions of using Telenoid for therapeutic purposes with older adults. Critical engagement with the studies identified key themes, as well as opportunities to advance future research. Ten studies involving Telenoid were identified, with eight focused on older adults living with dementia. Study findings centered around two themes: effects (including positive effects and negative reactions), and challenges and considerations (including technical issues, operator training, acceptability, and dosage). Although several issues currently challenge the use of Telenoid, available studies show some therapeutic potential of using Telenoid with older adults, including those living with dementia, particularly for communication and mood. Higher-quality studies are required to advance understanding, and considerations for the field are outlined to aid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Moyle
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Aged Care Technologies Collaborative, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jenny Murfield
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Aged Care Technologies Collaborative, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Lion
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Aged Care Technologies Collaborative, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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Smart Industrial Robot Control Trends, Challenges and Opportunities within Manufacturing. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Industrial robots and associated control methods are continuously developing. With the recent progress in the field of artificial intelligence, new perspectives in industrial robot control strategies have emerged, and prospects towards cognitive robots have arisen. AI-based robotic systems are strongly becoming one of the main areas of focus, as flexibility and deep understanding of complex manufacturing processes are becoming the key advantage to raise competitiveness. This review first expresses the significance of smart industrial robot control in manufacturing towards future factories by listing the needs, requirements and introducing the envisioned concept of smart industrial robots. Secondly, the current trends that are based on different learning strategies and methods are explored. Current computer-vision, deep reinforcement learning and imitation learning based robot control approaches and possible applications in manufacturing are investigated. Gaps, challenges, limitations and open issues are identified along the way.
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Lavin P, Lesage M, Monroe E, Kanevsky M, Gruber J, Cinalioglu K, Rej S, Sekhon H. Humanoid robot intervention vs. treatment as usual for loneliness in long-term care homes: Study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1003881. [PMID: 36339874 PMCID: PMC9633865 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness affects up to 42% of long-term care residents and is associated with poor health outcomes. Humanoid robot interventions hold promise for reducing loneliness and decreasing barriers to social interaction in long-term care settings, such as the current COVID-19 safety measures in many countries, limited mobility, and poor health. We present a protocol describing an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of a humanoid robot intervention to treatment as usual, on loneliness and mental health outcomes in long-term care residents. METHODS Seventy-four (n = 74) older adults experiencing loneliness in 3 long-term care homes will be randomized 1:1 to an 8-week, twice a week social intervention with the Grace humanoid robot vs. a treatment as usual active control. We will assess change (baseline to week 8) in (1) loneliness (primary outcome), (2) depression severity, and (3) stress (secondary outcomes), as well as (4) other exploratory outcomes: anxiety, quality of life and reduction in acute healthcare utilization. We will also assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention using qualitative methods. DISCUSSION The proposed study will assess the effects of a social robot on loneliness and other mental health outcomes, as well as the feasibility of the intervention in older adults living in long-term care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05423899.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lavin
- Department of Psychiatry, GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Myriam Lesage
- Department of Psychiatry, GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Edward Monroe
- Awakening Health Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Kanevsky
- CONNECTIN-TeleEmpathy™, Village Medical Center™, Global Health University™, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Johanna Gruber
- Department of Psychiatry, GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Karin Cinalioglu
- Department of Psychiatry, GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Soham Rej
- Department of Psychiatry, GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Harmehr Sekhon
- Department of Psychiatry, GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Tanioka T, Yokotani T, Tanioka R, Betriana F, Matsumoto K, Locsin R, Zhao Y, Osaka K, Miyagawa M, Schoenhofer S. Development Issues of Healthcare Robots: Compassionate Communication for Older Adults with Dementia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094538. [PMID: 33923353 PMCID: PMC8123161 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although progress is being made in affective computing, issues remain in enabling the effective expression of compassionate communication by healthcare robots. Identifying, describing and reconciling these concerns are important in order to provide quality contemporary healthcare for older adults with dementia. The purpose of this case study was to explore the development issues of healthcare robots in expressing compassionate communication for older adults with dementia. An exploratory descriptive case study was conducted with the Pepper robot and older adults with dementia using high-tech digital cameras to document significant communication proceedings that occurred during the activities. Data were collected in December 2020. The application program for an intentional conversation using Pepper was jointly developed by Tanioka’s team and the Xing Company, allowing Pepper’s words and head movements to be remotely controlled. The analysis of the results revealed four development issues, namely, (1) accurate sensing behavior for “listening” to voices appropriately and accurately interacting with subjects; (2) inefficiency in “listening” and “gaze” activities; (3) fidelity of behavioral responses; and (4) deficiency in natural language processing AI development, i.e., the ability to respond actively to situations that were not pre-programmed by the developer. Conversational engagements between the Pepper robot and patients with dementia illustrated a practical usage of technologies with artificial intelligence and natural language processing. The development issues found in this study require reconciliation in order to enhance the potential for healthcare robot engagement in compassionate communication in the care of older adults with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Tanioka
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8509, Japan;
- Anne Boykin Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-88-633-9021
| | - Tomoya Yokotani
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8509, Japan; (T.Y.); (R.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Ryuichi Tanioka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8509, Japan; (T.Y.); (R.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Feni Betriana
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8509, Japan; (T.Y.); (R.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Kazuyuki Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan;
| | - Rozzano Locsin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8509, Japan;
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Yueren Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Kyoko Osaka
- Department of Nursing, Nursing Course of Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi 783-8505, Japan;
| | - Misao Miyagawa
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan;
| | - Savina Schoenhofer
- Anne Boykin Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA;
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Morley
- John E. Morley, MB, BCh, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, SLUCare Academic Pavilion, Section 2500, 1008 S. Spring Ave., 2nd Floor St. Louis, MO 63110, , Twitter: @drjohnmorley
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