Implementing PainChek and PARO to Support Pain Assessment and Management in Residents with Dementia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

BackgroundPain is a common problem but often undiagnosed and untreated in people with dementia. AimsThis study explored the experiences of residents with dementia, family, andformal carers with (1) pain assessment and management for residents with dementia; (2) the use of the PainChek app for pain assessment, and (3) the use of a social robot PARO for pain management in residents with dementia. DesignA qualitative study. Settings/participantsInterviews were conducted with 13 residents withdementia, three family members, and 18 formal carers from a residential aged carefacility. MethodResidents with dementia interacted with PARO for 15 mins, five days perweek for three weeks. The PainChek app assessed pain levels before and after eachsession. After three-week intervention, individual interviews were conducted withresidents, family, and formal carers who experienced or observed the use of PainChekapp and PARO for residents. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, andanalyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsFour themes were identified regarding pain in residents with dementia: (1) the impact, challenges and strategies of pain assessment and management; (2) benefits and barriers of using PainChek app to assess pain; (3) benefits of interacting with PARO to manage pain and behavioral symptoms; and (4) implementing PainChek app and PARO to support pain assessment and management in dementia care. ConclusionsTechnology, such as PainChek and PARO, is promising to improve painassessment and reduce pain for people with dementia. Barriers to using technologyinclude limited staff training and the implementation of person-centered care.