Developing, delivering, and evaluating an online course on socially assistive robots in culturally competent and compassionate healthcare: A sequential multiphase, mixed-method study

Abstract

Objective Artificially intelligent socially assistive robots are a growing technology. There is no evidence-based, theory-informed, open access training targeting health and social care professionals on this advanced technology. This collaborative, international European project – the IENE 10 study – developed, delivered, and evaluated the first Massive Open Online Course on socially assistive robots. Methods A sequential mixed-method design with five phases: (1) literature review; (2) development of the Transcultural Robotic Nursing curriculum model from the care ethics principles of cultural competence and compassion; (3) development of modules, learning units, and assessments; (4) choice of the digital platform, e-facilitators’ training, and definition of the evaluation strategy; (5) recruitment campaign. The methodology was collaborative among the six European partner institutions, who all contributed to each phase, from planning to the outputs. All project outputs and MOOC contents were translated into the four languages of the partners. Results Training needs identified included: knowledge about social robots’ functionality; how to operate them; legal, ethical, and human rights' issues. The course had four modules: Awareness, Knowledge, Sensitivity and Competence, with four learning units each. E-learners ( n = 240) were mostly based in the project partners’ countries and with no previous training on social robots. Graduated e-learners ( n = 185) found their knowledge and skills enhanced, both in relation to social robots and cultural competence. The learning units and the overall quality of the course were rated between good and excellent. Conclusions The IENE 10 project pioneeringly addressed the training needs of health and social care professionals in the era of AI social robots. The collaborative and sequentially phased design proved useful in the integration of a care ethics model. This work reflects the holistic approach needed for preparing professionals for the complexities of contemporary healthcare.