James Moon

Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore

Caregivers' Perspective on Socially Assistive Robots: A Qualitative Systematic Review

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Biography

Dr. James Patrick Moon holds a Master of Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Medicine, Obstetrics, and Surgery from University College Dublin. With over a decade of experience in psychiatry, Dr. Moon has dedicated his career to advancing mental health care and fostering patient well-being. His clinical practice is complemented by a strong interest in integrating technology within psychiatry. Currently serving at Sengkang General Hospital, Dr. Moon combines his expertise with a compassionate approach to care. His research focuses on the intersection of technology and mental health, aiming to leverage advancements for improved patient outcomes. A committed advocate for progress in psychiatric care, he remains actively engaged in both clinical and research pursuits, contributing to the evolving landscape of mental health innovation.

Abstract

Aims: Socially assistive robots (SARs) are designed to interact closely with people, providing services while emulating human behavior to facilitate interpersonal communication and enhance the caregiving experience. As the aging population increases, particularly among older adults aged 65 and up, understanding caregivers' perspectives on the acceptability and effectiveness of SARs becomes crucial. This systematic review synthesizes qualitative findings from various studies exploring caregivers' views on SARs in elder care, focusing on their acceptability, perceived benefits, and concerns.

Methods: A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted, systematically searching electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, and CINAHL, along with Google Scholar and secondary sources. Eligible studies included experiences of informal and formal caregivers of older adults aged 65 and up with or without mild cognitive impairment or dementia, utilized qualitative methodologies, and were published in English. The retrieved papers underwent quality assessment, and thematic analysis was employed to synthesize the findings.

Results: Twelve studies involving 200 caregivers were included, revealing diverse caregiver types, including family caregivers of individuals with dementia and professional caregivers in aged care settings. Positive findings highlighted SARs' potential to enhance safety through monitoring, provide companionship, reduce caregiver burden, and engage older adults in meaningful activities. Conversely, concerns included potential dependency on SARs, technological complexity, cultural disconnect, and stigma associated with using robots in elder care.

Conclusion: The review indicates a generally positive outlook among caregivers towards SARs, recognizing their potential benefits. However, concerns regarding dependency, technological challenges, and emotional disconnect must be addressed for effective implementation. Involving caregivers in the design and training of SARs is essential to align technology with their needs and enhance acceptance in caregiving contexts. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of SARs on caregiver and recipient well-being.