Young Adults' Needs in Social Robot Assisted Medication Counselling: Applying Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Model

The integration of robots into healthcare is an advancing field, with potential to enhance patient care, for example in medication counselling. Peplau's Interpersonal Relationship Model was adapted as a framework for the aim to explore the needs of young adults in relation to social robots in medication counselling. Peplau's model outlines the phases of the nurse-patient relationship and is emphasised through three key phases, such as Orientation phase, Working phase and Termination phase. Qualitative interviews with six young adults were analysed using deductive reflexive thematic analysis. The results suggest the following: In the orientation phase, the robot should offer reliable and clear communication and a neutral appearance to the young adult to create a trusting relation. In the working phase, the robot should utilise the individuals' resources to address their medication-related needs and begin to anticipate goals beyond the immediate problem. Finally, in the termination phase, the robot facilitates the transition to independence for the young adult to manage own medication without relying on the robot. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection of technology and human caring, emphasising the importance of maintaining interpersonal relation in the digital age. Insights from this study informs the design and implementation of social robots in healthcare, ensuring that they effectively meet the needs of young adults and complement medication counselling.