Abstract
BackgroundNew technologies, like socially assistive robots (SARs), may have the potential to support caregivers at home. Still, the evidence for people with dementia in home care is unclear because a lot of studies are performed in a laboratory or institutional setting, and mainly use robots in prototype stages.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effects of the refined, commercially-available, humanoid SAR Pepper combined with a tablet PC–based dementia training program (Coach Pepper) versus an exclusively tablet PC–based dementia training program on psychosocial and physical outcomes of people with dementia living at home, including caregivers and dementia trainers. We hypothesize that Coach Pepper has a more positive effect on the primary outcome motivation (stable or decreased apathy) of people with dementia.MethodsA mixed methods study will be performed, including a randomized controlled, parallel, 2-arm study with a complementary qualitative part. This sample includes 40 PWD living at home and 40 relatives, each complemented with five professional caregivers and dementia trainers. The intervention group will receive Coach Pepper (a SAR connected with a tablet PC–based dementia training program), and the control group will receive exclusively tablet PC–based training without the SAR. The duration of the intervention will be three weeks per household. Data will be collected at baseline and during and after the intervention by standardized questionnaires, sensor data of the robot, and tablet PC, as well as semistructured interviews, focus groups, and observation.ResultsTo date, no results are available for this study protocol. The study intervention started in May 2019 and will end in Spring 2020.ConclusionsThe intervention of this study can be seen as a nonpharmacological intervention, including cognitive and physical training by a robot. This study will help to further refine SAR for the specific needs of people with dementia living at home.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/14927
Highlights
BackgroundDementia rates are increasing worldwide and burden global health care resources to a serious degree [1,2]
This sample includes 40 PWD living at home and 40 relatives, each complemented with five professional caregivers and dementia trainers
The intervention of this study can be seen as a nonpharmacological intervention, including cognitive and physical training by a robot
Summary
BackgroundDementia rates are increasing worldwide and burden global health care resources to a serious degree [1,2]. One of the most important aims in (nursing) care for people with dementia is to promote their independence according to their stage of dementia and individual abilities. Such (nursing) care can counteract a galloping progression of care dependency [9]. It is in this context that new technologies, such as socially assistive robots (SARs), may constitute a supportive device for caregivers because they have the potential to promote the independence and well-being of older people [10,11]. The evidence for people with dementia in home care is unclear because a lot of studies are performed in a laboratory or institutional setting, and mainly use robots in prototype stages
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