Acceptance of communication robots among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis with psychological stress

Although several psychotherapeutic interventions have been introduced for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), challenges such as feelings of shame persist. Prior studies indicate that robot-assisted interviews evoke less shame than human interactions. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides a robust framework for examining factors influencing technology adoption. This study applied TAM to evaluate the use of a communication robot (Sota-100) in psychotherapeutic interventions for patients with MHD.

Twenty-six outpatients with MHD participated. Each completed an interaction session with Sota-100 and a self-report questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale.

The intention to use Sota-100 counseling was significantly higher than that for human counseling (p = 0.003). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirmed that Sota-100 was easy to use (p = 0.023). Spearman's correlation showed significant associations between ease of use and perceived usefulness in reducing anxiety and stress (p = 0.028), decreasing boredom and loneliness (p < 0.001), enhancing motivation for self-administration (p = 0.004), and intention to use Sota-100 (p = 0.005).

Most patients with MHD were receptive to Sota-100, supporting the applicability of TAM. Improving robot usability could further alleviate anxiety, stress, boredom, and loneliness, enhance self-management motivation, and strengthen patients' willingness to engage with robotic support in psychosocial care.