Can a Telenoid robot support the engagement and communication of people living with dementia in long-term care? A mixed method pilot study.

Telenoid is a robotic communications device that connects via Wi-Fi, allowing an operator to converse with the person holding Telenoid from a distance. Emerging evidence suggests Telenoid may have therapeutic benefits for people living with dementia, but studies are limited, especially in Australian Long-Term Care (LTC). In a one-group mixed method pilot study, 10 people with a diagnosis of dementia living in one LTC facility in Queensland, Australia, participated in three individual sessions with Telenoid and a follow-up semi-structured interview. Changes in behavior and expression outcomes were observations relating to engagement before and after using Telenoid, as assessed via a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Qualitative observation and interview data were collectively analyzed using an inductive, thematic analysis approach. No statistically significant changes in engagement were observed across the sessions. Five qualitative themes report positive and negative feelings toward Telenoid. Participants personified Telenoid, indicating its characteristics influenced perceptions. Engagement was identified as crucial, and Telenoid provided opportunities for conversations. Although Telenoid may serve as a positive activity device for people living with dementia, its time-consuming nature suggests it may be more effectively utilized by an activity officer rather than care staff who may not have time to commit to the activity.