Advances in medicine have led to longer human lifespans. Estimates suggest that by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be over 60 years old. This rapid increase in the aging population implies that a greater number of elderly people require care. Family members and healthcare professionals may not be able to meet this increasing demand. Additionally, reports suggest significant workforce shortages, including nurses, in several developed countries, underscoring the need for additional strategies that meet the needs of older adults.
Simple and effective technologies such as robots can bridge this gap and help provide the care seniors need to age in the comfort of their home. However, despite their significant potential, social acceptance of home care robots in aging societies remains a problem. Furthermore, their widespread use is hampered by challenges in developing robots that can meet the specific needs of elderly people requiring long-term care in different countries, given cultural, ethical and financial differences.
In a new study, researchers from Chiba University, Japan, sought to elucidate the factors that influence users’ willingness to use home care robots. Previous studies have shown that public involvement in research has a positive influence on study design and patient involvement. Building on this, the researchers explored a user-centered approach that involves potential users in the research and development process of home care robots. This approach takes into account the real-life expectations and problems that users face.
Providing further insight into their work published in Scientific reportsOn November 12, 2024, Professor Sayuri Suwa, the corresponding author of the article, says: “In countries where the population is aging, the use of home care robots will enable many people to achieve ‘aging in place’. Each country has its own unique history, culture and legal system, so we wanted to clarify how home care robots can be developed and implemented in a way that respects these differences.” This research was actively co-authored by Dr. Hiroo Ide of the Institute for Future Initiatives, University of Tokyo; Dr. Yumi Akuta from the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Healthcare, Tokyo Healthcare University; Dr. Naonori Kodate from the UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin; Dr. Jaakko Hallila from Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences; and dr. Wenwei Yu from the Center for Frontier Medical Engineering, Chiba University.
The team conducted a questionnaire-based survey among care recipients and caregivers in Japan, Ireland and Finland. The questionnaire assessed four different aspects of users’ willingness, namely: familiarity with robots, important points about home care robots, functions expected from home care robots and ethically acceptable use, through 48 different items. The researchers analyzed the responses of 525 Japanese, 163 Irish and 170 Finnish participants on common and different factors that influence their willingness to use robots.
The analysis found that ‘willingness to participate in research and development’, ‘interest in robot-related news’ and ‘having a positive impression of robots’ were common factors among respondents from the three countries. On the other hand, ‘convenience’ in Japan, ‘notifying family members and support staff when an unexpected change occurs in an older person’ in Ireland, and ‘design’ in Finland were found to be separate factors influencing the use of influence robots.
Furthermore, the study highlights how historical, cultural and demographic variables in the countries influence the implementation of home care robots. In Japan, the development of robots is being encouraged by government, industry and academia, with general optimism about their application. Although the development of robots in Ireland is slightly behind, their use for older adults is increasingly recognised, and artificial intelligence and robotics are being applied in health and social care. The Finnish respondents’ choice of ‘design’ is consistent with Finnish design, which is well known worldwide, indicating its importance in robot production.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of user participation and their perspective in the development of home care technology. Home care robots have significant potential when it comes to empowering older adults. “Developing home care robots in collaboration with potential users, such as the elderly and caregivers, will promote better product acceptance in the future. This is not only beneficial for validating the home care products under development, but also for actually expanding the use of home care robots. Ultimately, this would lead to greater well-being for users.” Prof. Suwa concludes.
With the right mix of innovation, collaboration and cultural sensitivity, home care robots can soon turn the dream of ‘aging in place’ into a global reality!
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Magazine reference:
Ide, H., et al. (2024). A comparative study to elucidate factors explaining willingness to use home care robots in Japan, Ireland and Finland. Scientific reports. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79414-y.