Fieldwork and Field Trials in Hospitals: Co-Designing A Robotic Solution to Support Data Collection in Geriatric Assessment

Karine Lan Hing Ting,Quitterie De Roll,Dimitri Voilmy,Rebeca Marfil,Ana Iglesias

doi:10.3390/app11073046

Abstract

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostic instrument that helps provide personalized care to older adults by evaluating their state of health. This evaluation is based on extensive data collection in order to develop a coordinated plan to maximize overall health with aging. In the social and economic context of growing ageing populations, medical experts can save time and effort if provided with interactive tools to efficiently assist them in doing CGAs, managing either standardized tests or data collection. Recent research proposes the use of social robots as the central part of this optimization of clinicians’ time and effort. This paper presents the first and last steps of the research made around the design and evaluation of the CLARC robot: fieldwork (analysis of needs and practices concerning clinical data management) and field trials (pilot experiment in real-life conditions in a rehab hospital). Based on an extensive literature review of social robotics applications for health and ageing, it discusses the practical and methodological questions raised around how to design and test assistive social robots for clinical routine, and questions the feasibility of an automated CGA procedure.

Highlights

Introduction iationsComprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostic instrument that helps provide personalized care to older adults, by evaluating their state of health [1]
Through the presentation of the first and last steps of the research made around the design and evaluation of the CLARC robot, this paper looks into the feasibility of an automated CGA procedure, and reflexively discusses the insights
This study focused on robots that exhibit the following “human social” characteristics: express and/or perceive emotions; communicate with high-level dialogue; learn/recognize models of other agents; establish/maintain social relationships; use natural cues; exhibit distinctive personality and character; may learn/develop social competencies

Summary

Introduction

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostic instrument that helps provide personalized care to older adults, by evaluating their state of health [1]. This evaluation is based on extensive data collection about the frail older person’s medical, psychosocial, and functional limitations, in order to develop a coordinated plan to maximize overall health with aging [2]. It requires the coordination of several clinical professionals [3]. This coordination rests, for a large part, on patient data sharing.

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Conclusion