Margot Darragh1, Ho Seok Ahn2, Bruce MacDonald2, Amy Liang1, Kathryn Peri3, Ngaire Kerse4, Elizabeth Broadbent5. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 2. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 3. School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 4. Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 5. Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Electronic address: e.broadbent@auckland.ac.nz.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This scoping study is the first step of a multiphase, international project aimed at designing a homecare robot that can provide functional support, track physical and psychological well-being, and deliver therapeutic intervention specifically for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. DESIGN: Observational requirements gathering study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 participant groups: (1) individuals with memory challenges, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or mild dementia (patients; n = 9); (2) carers of those with MCI or dementia (carers; n = 8); and (3) those with expertise in MCI or dementia research, clinical care, or management (experts; n = 16). Interviews took place at the university, at dementia care facilities or other workplaces, at participant's homes, or via skype (experts only). MEASUREMENTS: Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and reviewed. RESULTS: Several key themes were identified within the 4 topics of: (1) daily challenges, (2) safety and security, (3) monitoring health and well-being, and (4) therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A homecare robot could provide both practical and therapeutic benefit for the mildly cognitively impaired with 2 broad programs providing routine and reassurance; and tracking health and well-being. The next phase of the project aims to program homecare robots with scenarios developed from these results, integrate components from project partners, and then test the feasibility, utility, and acceptability of the homecare robot.
OBJECTIVES: This scoping study is the first step of a multiphase, international project aimed at designing a homecare robot that can provide functional support, track physical and psychological well-being, and deliver therapeutic intervention specifically for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. DESIGN: Observational requirements gathering study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 participant groups: (1) individuals with memory challenges, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or mild dementia (patients; n = 9); (2) carers of those with MCI or dementia (carers; n = 8); and (3) those with expertise in MCI or dementia research, clinical care, or management (experts; n = 16). Interviews took place at the university, at dementia care facilities or other workplaces, at participant's homes, or via skype (experts only). MEASUREMENTS: Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and reviewed. RESULTS: Several key themes were identified within the 4 topics of: (1) daily challenges, (2) safety and security, (3) monitoring health and well-being, and (4) therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A homecare robot could provide both practical and therapeutic benefit for the mildly cognitively impaired with 2 broad programs providing routine and reassurance; and tracking health and well-being. The next phase of the project aims to program homecare robots with scenarios developed from these results, integrate components from project partners, and then test the feasibility, utility, and acceptability of the homecare robot.
Authors: Amara Callistus Nwosu; Bethany Sturgeon; Tamsin McGlinchey; Christian Dg Goodwin; Ardhendu Behera; Stephen Mason; Sarah Stanley; Terry R Payne Journal: Palliat Med Date: 2019-06-28 Impact factor: 4.762
Authors: Mikaela Law; Craig Sutherland; Ho Seok Ahn; Bruce A MacDonald; Kathy Peri; Deborah L Johanson; Dina-Sara Vajsakovic; Ngaire Kerse; Elizabeth Broadbent Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-09-24 Impact factor: 2.692