Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the expectations and experiences regarding a robotic shower, from a dual user perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis was an explorative qualitative study in which elderly and personnel were interviewed before the robotic shower was installed and again after four or five months of usage.FindingsThe elderly participants found the robotic shower empowering. The personnel’s experiences encompassed their own work conditions, as well as the user value for the elderly. A shared experience for both user groups was a more independent shower situation for the elderly.Research limitations/implicationsLow user frequency among the elderly may have affected the results; more frequent use may lead to different user experiences. Understanding whether and to what extent long-term use affects user experience is important for future adoption and implementation.Practical implicationsImplementation of digital assistive technology (DAT) should focus on the user value of the DAT for all possible user groups, as the different users may experience different values over time. In addition, approaching adoption and acceptance issues of DAT from a learned helplessness perspective may help users find value in the DAT and the independence these aim to provide, helping users maintain or increase quality of life.Originality/valueThis study presents a dual user experience of a DAT in an intimate care situation and shows the importance of including both elderly and personnel to fully understand the value of DATs.
Highlights
Due to medical progress and improved living conditions, the global population is aging (Coughlin et al, 2006; WHO [World Health Organization], 2018)
The degree to which the elderly participant felt clean varied depending on the person assisting the shower situation: “/. . ./[I]t is different depending on whom [gives the shower]: some are very careful whereas others hardly soak me.” (E1) Control regarded the elderly participants’ experienced lack of control in the shower situation, such as not having a say in when to shower or for how long
The conclusion from our study is that new technologies, such as digital assistive technology (DAT), have the potential to affect several types of users, in our case elderly and personnel, both immediately and, importantly, in the long term
Summary
Due to medical progress and improved living conditions, the global population is aging (Coughlin et al, 2006; WHO [World Health Organization], 2018). All elderly, regardless of functionality, should have the right to exert control over their own lives and what brings it meaning. One way to meet some of the challenges of population aging is by means of assistive technology (AT), which aims to facilitate everyday tasks for elderly and persons with chronical illnesses and/or disabilities (Gucin and Berk, 2015; WHO [World Health Organization], 2018). Apart from facilitating everyday tasks, DATs should support the users’ family, friends and care personnel (White and Montgomery, 2014). User experiences of DAT in everyday care situations are scarce
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