Social and health impacts of exoskeleton use on care workers

BackgroundIn many countries, the growing shortage of care workers versus the growing number of people needing care is causing concern. In this healthcare transformation, exoskeletons, a form of wearable robotics, have been introduced as a means to aid care workers in their physically demanding and ergonomically challenging work.ObjectiveThis study investigated the human impacts of exoskeleton use in care work. We followed a mixed-methods research approach, presenting a novel combination of qualitative and quantitative research.MethodsWe conducted a three-week trial of an exoskeleton with eight assistant nurses in a round-the-clock care home. Qualitative data consist of pre-interviews, post-interviews and user diaries. Quantitative data were collected via physiological measurements.ResultsSeveral types of social and health impacts of exoskeleton use were identified. The qualitative analysis revealed physical, mental, work practice and learning-related impacts. The exoskeleton was most useful in bed care activities. The physiological measurement results demonstrated a trend-like reduction in muscle activity throughout the workday and in different work tasks when using the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton did not have an impact on metabolic strain or perceived exertion but did increase perceived discomfort after the measured work shift when using the exoskeleton.ConclusionsBoth the qualitative and quantitative results suggest that there is potential for exoskeleton use in care work environments if sufficient attention is paid to its essential prerequisites. These include the care work and tasks in question, care workers' interests and competences, the environment, planning and organisation of the work, managerial practices and clients' health.