An Assessment of an Inpatient Robotic Nurse Assistant: A Mixed-Method Study.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Technology
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Nursing Support Systems

Background:

• Global nursing shortages necessitate innovative solutions to support care delivery.
• Robotics are being explored to alleviate nurses' workload and enhance patient care.
• Assessing the integration of robotic nurse assistants (RNAs) is crucial for effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the implementation and impact of a robotic nurse assistant (RNA) in a hospital setting.
• To evaluate human-robot interaction with the RNA across usability, social acceptance, user experience, and societal impact.
• To gather insights from patients and nurses regarding the RNA's performance and potential improvements.

Main Methods:

• Observational, mixed-method study involving patients and nurses in a general medicine ward.
• One-time trial with the RNA for vital signs, medication, and item delivery, followed by a 75-question patient survey.
• Video analysis of patient-RNA interactions (behaviors, emotions, attention) and focus group discussions with nurses.

Main Results:

• Sixty-seven patients (aged 21-79) participated; 80% reported positive interactions with the RNA.
• Patients largely attributed performance issues to technical problems rather than the RNA itself.
• Nurses recognized the RNA's potential for routine tasks but expressed skepticism about time savings and concerns regarding older patients.

Conclusions:

• Robotic nurse assistants demonstrate potential for supporting healthcare delivery and positive patient engagement.
• Enhancing RNA interactivity and social capabilities is recommended for improved acceptance and effectiveness.
• Future research should focus on quantifying time savings and the translation of saved time to higher-value clinical nursing tasks.