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[Exploring the potential of the socially assistive robot "Moflin" in institutional aged care]
Cora Pauli1, Samira-Salomé Hüsler2, Simone Eicher2
1Institut für Altersforschung der Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9001, St. Gallen, Schweiz. cora.pauli@ost.ch.
Background:
The study examined the potential use of the socially assistive robot (SAR) Moflin in nursing care homes, as seen by care professionals. Despite proven positive effects, SARs have not been widely implemented to date. This study therefore investigated the use scenarios developed by care professionals and their assessment of their impact.
Methods:
A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in three nursing care homes in Switzerland. It involved guided interviews and structured observations. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results:
Moflin demonstrated its potential for use in nursing care homes. It was employed to calm, stimulate and encourage communication with residents. The fact that care staff could use it at their discretion fostered a person-centered approach and its ease of use facilitated long-term use.
Discussion:
The findings emphasize the importance of taking a practical, open-ended approach when evaluating SARs in long-term care. Rather than prescribing standardized usage scenarios, actively involving care staff provided valuable insights into the practical considerations of everyday use. Thus, the study contributes to our understanding of the role of care staff in integrating SARs into their daily work.
