6 Exploring professional-robot interactions in care settings: a case of adopting an Irish air-disinfection device in a nursing home in Japan

Abstract

Abstract Background Digital welfare technologies are increasingly expected to perform a broader set of functions and roles. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic further underscored use of technology, as it heightened the need for security and safety in care settings, with cleanliness and infection control becoming an even more important aspect of care delivery. While there are great expectations for digitalization and automation of care work, bringing new technologies such as robots into a workplace remains a challenge in terms of acceptance and usability, as well as a reflection of user preferences and needs. Methods An original air-disinfection ‘robot’ was developed for a cross-cultural research project, and was introduced to a residential nursing home in Japan. Prior to its instalment, seven main users (physiotherapists, nurses and social care professionals) were trained by the developer. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted before, during and after the trial in order to understand care professionals’ needs regarding and impressions of the device. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was also used to test professionals’ experience with the device. Results Overall, the users had a positive experience of using the robot (SUS score of 74.3/100). During the trial, the team of users changed the inorganic appearance of the robot by adding a face, hair, hands and music to it. The qualitative data reveal how additional efforts were made to transform a piece of air-disinfection equipment into an interactive and accessible robot for older adults. The appropriate size and the level of automation were also raised as essential points for design consideration. Conclusion There is great potential for a variety of care robots to be deployed and evaluated beyond cultural boundaries, but local knowledge and professional expertise are crucial to smooth implementation. The study ‘Harmonisation towards the establishment of Person-centred, Robotics-aided Care System’ was supported by the Toyota Foundation (D18-ST-0005, 2019–2022).