Unpacking older adults' experiences using mobile telepresence robots: A systematic mixed-studies review

This review aimed to explore the experiences of mobile telepresence robots (MTRs) among older adults (OAs) using a systematic mixed-studies approach. Ten electronic databases were searched for published and unpublished studies from inception to January 2022. The mixed methods assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. A results-based convergent synthesis was employed to integrate quantitative and qualitative results. A total of 3,816 records were retrieved, and 43 studies were included, involving 1,568 participants across 19 countries. More than half of the selected studies had high methodological quality. After integrating findings from seven qualitative subthemes and eight quantitative categories, four themes emerged: (1) enjoyable experience, (2) willingness and acceptance, (3) promoting social connectedness, and (4) improved psychosocial and physiological well-being. The MTRs show promising benefits for OAs and their families. Future research should improve the design and functionalities of MTRs to customize different OAs.