Faculty of Healthcare Management, Nihon Fukushi University, Tokyo, Japan; Universal Accessibility & Ageing Research Centre, Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Universal Accessibility & Ageing Research Centre, Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Travellers Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
Clin Ther. 2020 Feb;42(2):364-371.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.01.001. Epub 2020 Jan 25.
This pilot before-after study investigated the possible effects of communicative robots, used with a sensing system supported by cloud robotics, in caring for elderly people.
Two elderly women in nursing homes and 4 care workers participated in the trial. The overnight life rhythm assessments of the study participants and care workers were surveyed to determine when and how the robots should be integrated into care. The system consisted of the robot Sota, a noncontact vital sensor and a sheet-shaped bed sensor. Real-time sensing data and conversations between the participants and robots were sent to the servers, prompting a quick verbal response by the robot supported by cloud robotics.
Care workers devoted 3 h to the maintenance of records during their most stressful periods. Automatic recording of vital information using robot sensors can improve the quality of nursing care work. Care workers' stress levels were maximized when responding to nurse calls. Temporary responses to nurse calls by the robots may help to effectively reduce the burden on nursing care workers. Robots can stimulate elderly people to communicate more with others (P < 0.05). Appropriate vocalization by communicative robots may prevent the deterioration of quality of life in elderly individuals.
Communicative robots, used with a sensing system, may stimulate elderly people to activate a communication link with others and help care workers to effectively reduce the burden during the night shift. A follow-up study involving a broader research program on communicative robots and elderly care would be beneficial.
本前瞻性研究调查了使用配备云机器人的传感系统的交流机器人在照顾老年人方面可能产生的影响。
参与试验的有 2 位养老院中的老年女性和 4 位护理人员。通过调查研究参与者和护理人员的夜间生活节奏评估，确定机器人应在何时以及如何融入护理工作。该系统包括机器人 Sota、非接触式生命传感器和片状床传感器。实时感测数据和参与者与机器人之间的对话被发送到服务器，由云机器人支持快速进行口头响应。
护理人员在压力最大的时期花费 3 小时来维护记录。使用机器人传感器自动记录生命信息可以提高护理工作的质量。护理人员在响应护士呼叫时压力最大。机器人对护士呼叫的临时响应可能有助于有效减轻护理人员的负担。机器人可以刺激老年人与他人进行更多的交流（P<0.05）。具有交流功能的机器人的适当发声可能防止老年人的生活质量恶化。
配备传感系统的交流机器人可以刺激老年人与他人建立沟通联系，并帮助护理人员在夜班期间有效减轻负担。进行涉及更广泛的交流机器人和老年人护理研究计划的后续研究将是有益的。
