Hospital-Based Robotic Applications in Nursing Practice: A Scoping Review

The integration of robots into clinical practice requires careful consideration of their alignment with nursing workflows, patient needs, and clinical contexts. This scoping review aimed to support effective technology adoption by systematically identifying and classifying how robots are used in hospital-based nursing practice using standardized nursing terminology.

A scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework.

A structured search was conducted in five peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and EMBASE) for studies published between January 2019 and July 24, 2025. The data were analyzed to classify the types of nursing tasks supported by the robots. Robotic functions were classified into direct care, indirect care, and associated work using standardized nursing terminology, Hurst's framework, and the Clinical Care Classification system to provide a codified and structured analysis of nursing tasks.

A total of 40 studies were included in the final review. Thirty-three focused on direct care with robots, primarily supporting psychological, physiological, and functional care. The key interventions included coping support, emotional support, infection control, and vital sign monitoring. Only one study involved indirect care, and nine focused on associated work, such as errands and cleaning.

Robots are primarily used for direct care, such as emotional support and monitoring, while their role in indirect care-requiring professional judgment including documentation-remains limited. This suggests that future development should prioritize user-centered designs and ethical guidelines aligned with actual clinical needs. Properly implemented robotic technology will serve as a strategic tool to enhance nursing efficiency and improve practice environments amidst chronic workforce shortages.

By categorizing robotic functions using standardized nursing terminology, this review offers a structured understanding of how robots can support nursing. These insights help identify tasks that can be delegated to robots during crises, such as pandemics or staffing shortages, allowing nurses to focus on essential patient care.