Abstract
This study aimed to explore meaningful experiences of older Taiwanese adults who had received a Paro (social robot) companion. Semi-structured qualitative interviews elicited the perspectives of 25 older adults living in a long-term care facility after they had interacted with an individual Paro companion for 8 weeks. Thematic analysis was used in this study as it allows for rich, detailed, and complex descriptions of qualitative data. Analysis identified four themes: Bridging my social bonds; Acting as a comfort Buddy; Relieving my emotional distress; and Encountering Paro with distancing. Although Paro's functioning has some limits, such as lacking speech, most participants expressed that the experience was positive. These findings revealed that the meaningful experiences expressed by participants at the end of the intervention with Paro might provide the value of companionship and improve interpersonal relationships for older adults in geriatric nursing.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
