Suitability of Healthcare Robots for a Dementia Unit and Suggested Improvements

摘要: Objectives: To investigate the suitability of a new eldercare robot (Guide) for people with dementia and their caregivers compared one that has been successfully used before (Paro), to generate suggestions improved enhanced care. Design: Cross-sectional study. A researcher demonstrated both robots in random order each staff member alone, or resident together his/her relative(s). The encouraged participants interact asked relatives series open ended questions about robot. Setting: secure residential facility Auckland, New Zealand. Participants: Ten 11 relatives, five members. Measurements: Each interaction was video-taped coded number times looked at, smiled, touched, talked robot, as well relative interactions resident. Qualitative analysis code questions. Results: Residents touched Paro significantly more than Guide. found be acceptable family members, staff, residents, although many acknowledged Guide had potential useful if adapted this population terms ergonomics simplification. Conclusion: Healthcare settings have simple easy use stimulating entertaining. This research highlights how may best effects settings. It is concluded Paro’s sounds could modified population. ergonomic design reviewed software application simplified targeted dementia.