Exploratory Research With a Health Consumer Group on Social Robot Use Among Older Adults: Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Increasing public involvement in health research is a growing trend.
• Health consumer groups offer valuable expertise for research design.
• Older adults' acceptance and use of health technologies, particularly social robots, is a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the perspectives of stakeholders on the optimal research design for social robot use among older adults.
• To incorporate the expertise of a health consumer group, aligning with the triple helix model, to inform research strategies.

Main Methods:

• Recruited an expert health consumer group (5 participants from an 8-member panel).
• Conducted semistructured interviews, presenting visual stimuli of assistive technologies, older adults, and social robots.
• Gathered participant perspectives and guidance on designing future research.

Main Results:

• Identified key themes from interviews regarding research design for social robots and older adults.
• Derived advice on communicating research aims to technology-averse older adults.
• Obtained guidance on data collection methods and perceptions of social robot appearance.

Conclusions:

• Health consumer group input, alongside researchers and industry partners, is vital for advancing social robot research among technology-averse older adults in Australia.
• The study provides critical insights into effective approaches for data collection concerning social robots in this demographic.