Home‐care robots – Attitudes and perceptions among older people, carers and care professionals in Ireland: A questionnaire study

Abstract Background Home-care robots have been developed as one of the assistive technologies, and benefits and challenges of their use have been debated in many countries. Research teams in Japan, Finland and Ireland carried out a questionnaire to explore perceptions of potential users (older people, family caregivers, and health and social care professionals (HSCPs)) towards the use of home-care robots. As part of a larger tri-country comparative study, this paper reports preliminary findings from the data collected from the online survey of HSCPs in Ireland. Methods Questionnaire was developed iteratively among the research teams in three countries. Questions related to the use of advocates in deciding whether to use home-care robots, desirable functions in such robots, and perceptions of privacy protection. Based on networks of professional and advocacy groups, HSCPs were contacted and 123 respondents took part in the questionnaire, and 46 fully completed the questionnaire. Results Out of 46 respondents (44 female, 1 male and 1 did not wish to specify), 80% answered that they are open to the use of home-care robots. Safety monitoring and alert functions were considered to be most desirable in home-care robots. 76% of the respondents placed importance on the guarantee of entitlement to receiving human care, irrespective of the use of home-care robots. 30% answered that they have a negative impression of robots, to some extent. The overall majority (N=39, 85%) felt strongly that a decision as to whether to use home-care robots should be made by the user, and that the access to data collected in any form by robots requires extra care. Conclusion While there was generally a positive perception of the use of home-care robots among Irish HSCPs, cautious attitudes were evident in the areas of decision-making and privacy. This study was funded by the Pfizer Health Research Foundation.

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15What are the Key Criteria for Decision-Making Concerning the Use of Home-Care Robots? Findings from a Questionnaire Study in Japan

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afy140.07 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_5) ◽

pp. v13-v60

Author(s):

Naonori Kodate ◽

Sayuri Suwa ◽

Mayuko Tsujimura ◽

Mina Ishimaru ◽

Atsuko Shimamura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Home Care ◽

Questionnaire Study ◽

Care Robots

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29Developing a Questionnaire on User Needs and Decision-Making Regarding Home-Care Robots for Older People in Japan, Ireland and Finland

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afy140.18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_5) ◽

pp. v13-v60

Author(s):

Sayuri Suwa ◽

Mayuko Tsujimura ◽

Naonori Kodate ◽

Sarah Donnelly ◽

Helli Kitinoja ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Home Care ◽

Older People ◽

User Needs ◽

Care Robots

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Perceptions of providing safe care for frail older people at home: A qualitative study based on focus group interviews with home care staff

Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences ◽

10.1111/scs.13027 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anastasia Silverglow ◽

Lena Johansson ◽

Eva Lidén ◽

Helle Wijk

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Home Care ◽

Older People ◽

Care Staff ◽

Frail Older People ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Safe Care ◽

At Home

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The Pain Situation of Older Home-Care Recipients and Influencing Factors

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.662 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 204-205

Author(s):

Dagmar Dräger ◽

Reinhold Kreutz ◽

Adelheid Kuhlmey ◽

Andrea Budnick ◽

Dagmar Draeger

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Home Care ◽

Older People ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Prevalence Rate ◽

Severe Pain ◽

Self Report ◽

Primary Data ◽

Common Symptom ◽

Care Recipients

Abstract Chronic pain is a common symptom among older people. The international prevalence rate reaches 50% for older home-care recipients (aged ≥60). The most common causes of pain among older people are degenerative arthropathy and musculoskeletal diseases. Care recipients (81% aged ≥65) constitute a specific sub-group among pain patients, due to the restrictions they experience. In Germany, the prevalence rate in this group is 70%. Currently, no comprehensive information on the pain situation of older home-care recipients exists in Germany. The findings presented are based on a cross-sectional study of older (aged ≥65) home-care recipients (SGB XI) in Berlin, with chronic pain (n=225), capable of self-report (MMST≥18). Structured interviews comprised the primary data source. The pain situation was determined using the German Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-NH). Multiple regression analysis was applied to test how the most severe pain (dependent variable) was influenced by socio-demographic and medical parameters, mental and physical restrictions and pain medication. Analyses of the pain situation show a value of M=4.81 (SD±1.88) on the BPI intensity index, and a BPI pain interference index of M=5.47 (SD±2.15). The most intense pain averaged 6.96 (SD±2.15). On average, respondents reported 16.20 (SD±13.25) pain locations (range: 0-65). The number of pain locations, alongside other factors, had a significant influence, R²=0.038 (corrected R²=0.034), F (1.219) = 8.760, p<0.01), on pain intensity. The findings show severe pain intensity among older home-care recipients not reported in previous findings (e.g. in long-term in-patient care). Action in medical care, nursing care and educational aspects is urgently needed.

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