心理的ストレスを抱える維持血液透析患者におけるコミュニケーションロボットの受容性

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.