[Robotic systems for care at home: A scoping review].

BACKGROUND

In the future, modern technologies could make a significant contribution to a self-determined life in one's own environment when in need of care. Robots might alleviate everyday domestic life and promote participation. In the nursing science debate concerns have been raised over alienation through technology and loss of direct social and emotional contact. Robots are also being tested in nursing care, for example as social robots in the nursing home setting. The current state of knowledge regarding the domestic application of robotic systems has so far not been examined in systematic reviews.

AIM

To examine the possibilities of the usage and application of robotic systems in the home healthcare setting. In addition to the functions of the systems, methodological issues and further research in this subject area are considered.

METHODS

In this scoping review, an overview of the subject area and current research activities is produced. Five databases and the reference lists of the publications identified were searched. All study designs and publications since 2005 were eligible. We included studies investigating robotic interventions in the home care setting and their impact on outcomes relevant to patients or family members. The relevance of the robotic systems for nursing care was assessed according to the six dimensions of the new definition of care dependency in the Eleventh Book of the German Social Code (SGB XI).

RESULTS

The search revealed 7,755 hits; 19 studies were included. Two studies used a control group. Further studies were feasibility studies and acceptance surveys. The majority of studies were conducted in EU countries. Three out of 13 robotic systems were commercially available. Nine studies did not report ethical approval, and seven studies did not mention whether informed consent was obtained.

DISCUSSION

Robotic systems in home care have mainly been investigated in exploratory or pilot studies. Apart from technical aspects, the studies focussed on ease of use and, to this purpose, predominantly employed prototype robots. No reference was made to users' living environment, and there was no proof of effectiveness. The devices are far from being in the stage of broad practical application.