Nurses' Evaluation of a Service Robot for Inpatient Care: Technology Acceptance Study.

Abstract

Background: The integration of robotic systems into nursing practice is increasingly discussed as a potential strategy to alleviate workload and support care processes in response to demographic changes and staffing shortages. However, the acceptance of nursing staff as primary end users remains a critical determinant for successful implementation. Despite technological advances, the practical requirements and perspectives of nursing staff have not been adequately considered in research and development efforts to date.

Objective: Building on the user-centered development approach applied, this study aimed to examine nursing staff's evaluation of a service robot designed to assist with routine tasks in inpatient care, as well as their intention to use it, while accounting for technology-specific and psychological determinants of acceptance.

Methods: A total of 30 nurses tested the robot across 3 application scenarios (information service, item delivery, and beverage delivery) in a simulated care setting, alternating between the roles of nurse and care recipient. Acceptance-related constructs, including intention to use, were measured using the Technology Usage Inventory. General attitudes toward robots were assessed via the General Attitudes Towards Robots Scale. Participants' prior experience with robotics was also documented. Spearman rank correlations and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for analysis.

Results: The robot was rated positively across all dimensions. Usability was high (median 20, IQR 18-21; scale range 3-21), as was perceived usefulness (median 21, IQR 16-24; range 4-28). Skepticism was low (median 10.5, IQR 7-12; scale range 4-28), and accessibility was moderate (median 10, IQR 8-13; scale range: 3-21). Intention to use was strong (median 224.5, IQR 157-248; scale range 0-300) and correlated positively with usability (rs(28)=0.505; P=.004), perceived usefulness (rs(28)=0.74; P<.001), and accessibility (rs(28)=0.628; P<.001), and negatively with skepticism (rs(28)=-0.516; P=.004). More positive personal attitudes toward robots were also associated with higher perceived usefulness (rs(28)=0.549; P=.002) and greater intention to use (rs(28)=0.483; P=.007). No significant differences in intention to use were found between participants with and without prior robotics experience (U=83.5; P=.62).

Conclusions: The findings indicate a high level of acceptance among the participating nursing staff for the developed service robot within the tested scenarios. Considering the chosen user-centered development approach, they further underscore the need for strategies that combine participatory design, transparent communication of system capabilities and limitations, and structured opportunities for hands-on experience. Such measures, together with proactive knowledge transfer and skills development, are essential to sustainably leverage the practical potential of service robotics in nursing practice.