Social robots in care homes in French-speaking Switzerland: A qualitative and reflective study

Background

The number of elderly people with dementia in nursing homes is increasing in French-speaking Switzerland. This study investigates the use of social robots to improve and/or maintain the quality of life of these subjects, analyzed from the perspective of beneficence.

Methodology

Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in a selected number of care homes using social robots with their residents in French-speaking Switzerland. The impact of this use was analyzed at anthropological and ethical levels by developing a reflexive analysis around two central themes: truth and beneficence.

Results

The reflexive analysis illustrated the importance of several themes in the use of social robots in institutions, including the: (1) fears and hesitations surrounding the use of social robots in care homes; (2) role of interdisciplinarity and training of the nursing staff in this use; (3) necessity of a continuous evaluation guiding the use; and (4) importance of values and attitudes. In particular, this study highlighted the importance of showing at what levels this use is beneficial and identifying the “fuzzy” uncertainties that need to be studied in depth in order to make this practice increasingly ethical.

Conclusions

This exploratory study shows that using social robots (in particular in animal form) in care homes, is perceived by the users (health care workers and animators of the visited care homes) as having a generally positive impact on the residents, particularly for those suffering from dementia. These positive impacts occur at the level of bodily experience, as well as the maintenance, or even improvement, of personal capacities. At the same time, this use, when well framed, seems beneficial both for the residents the care team involved, who progressively notice the beneficial effects through the daily care relationship.