A social robot intervention on depression, loneliness, and quality of life for Taiwanese older adults in long-term care

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of a social robot intervention on depression, loneliness, and quality of life of older adults in long-term care (LTC) and to explore participants’ experiences and perceptions after the intervention. Design: A mixed-methods approach consisting of a single group, before and after quasi-experimental design, and individual interview. Participants: Twenty older adults with depression from four LTC facilities in Taiwan were recruited. Intervention: Each participant participated in 8 weeks of observation and 8 weeks of intervention. In the observation stage, participants received usual care or activities without any research intervention. In the intervention stage, each participant was given a Paro (Personal Assistive RobOt) to keep for 24 hours, 7 days a week. Measurements: The Geriatric Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for older adults were administered at four time points. Individual qualitative interviews with thematic analysis followed. Results: A repeated multivariate analysis of variance and Friedmanʼs test showed no significant changes during the observation stage between T1 and T2 for depression and quality of life (p >.5). For the intervention stage, statistically significant changes in decreasing depression and loneliness and improving quality of life over time were identified. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (i) humanizing Paro through referring to personal experiences and engagement; (ii) increased social interaction with other people; and (iii) companionship resulting in improved mental well-being. Conclusions: There were significant improvements in mental well-being in using Paro. Further research may help us to understand the advantages of using a Paro intervention as depression therapy.

Ambient assisted living technology‐mediated interventions for older people and their informal carers in the context of healthy ageing: A scoping review

“…18% (n = 15) offered interventions focusing on activities for social engagement, entertainment or comfort ( 41‐52,54,55 ; Van der 53 ). The interventions aimed at increasing older people's QoL through encouraging communication and offering positive experiences and thereby relieving and managing psychogeriatric symptoms such as behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) or depression.…”

“…Interventions used robotic pets, 41,43,45,48‐50 social robots, 44 tablets for apps or videos, 46,47,54 videoconferences (Van der 53 ), virtual reality technology, 42,51,52 and light therapy 55 …”

“…Of these, seven were RCTs. [29][30][31][32][34][35][36] One study used strong control, that is, comparing the intervention to groupbased exercise 35 whilst Hong et al 30 Interventions used robotic pets, 41,43,45,[48][49][50] social robots, 44 tablets for apps or videos, 46,47,54 videoconferences (Van der 53 ), virtual reality technology, 42,51,52 and light therapy. 55 Study duration was 4 months or shorter, except Chu et al 44 who followed up after 5 years.…”

“…55 Study duration was 4 months or shorter, except Chu et al 44 who followed up after 5 years. Five studies used mixed methods, 42,43,[50][51][52] the others were quantitative of which three were RCTs. 45,48,49 In the study by Van der Ploeg et al, 53 families provided comfort via videoconference.…”

Assistive robots in the homes of aging adults

“…One example of the utility of a robot for bolstering mental health is illustrated in this volume's article entitled, "A social robot intervention on depression, loneliness, and quality of life for Taiwanese older adults in long-term care" (Chen et al, 2020). In this study, Shu-Chuan Chen et al employed the robotic baby harp seal, Paro (Personal Assistive RobOt; Shibata et al, 2001) in a group of adults, aged 65 or older, residing in a long-term care facility in Taiwan.…”