Older home care clients' experiences of digitalisation: A qualitative study of experiences of the use of robot for medicines management.

Abstract

Home-living older people with multiple medications are a key target group for medication robots. However, our understanding of how robots for medicines management work in older people's daily lives is limited. The aim of this study was to describe older home care clients' experiences of the implementation and use of a robot for medicines management at home. A qualitative interview study. Data were collected during spring and autumn 2021 using semi-structured individual interviews with older home care clients (n=38). The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The older home care clients had positive experiences with the use of technology for the medication process, but they also faced challenges in their daily life activities. Implementation and use of the robot required open-mindedness, satisfaction with the implementation, and the opportunity to practice the use of the robot with a nurse. However, the current design and size of the robot for medicines management in home care still need development, given that our research participants did not feel included in the robot development process. The use of digital solutions will increase older people's home care. Therefore, there is a need to deepen our understanding of the implementation and use of digital solutions to prevent digital challenges and to provide a more comprehensive picture of this phenomenon. In addition, research focusing on whether the use of the robot affects medication administration incidents and medication adherence should be conducted to improve the safety of medicines management.