The usability and feasibility validation of the social robot MINI in people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment; a study protocol

Abstract

Background Social robots have demonstrated promising outcomes in terms of increasing the social health and well-being of people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. According to the World Health Organization’s Monitoring and assessing digital health interventions framework, usability and feasibility studies are crucial before implementing prototype social robots and proving their efficacy and effectiveness. This protocol paper aims to detail the plan for conducting the usability and feasibility study of the MINI robot based on evidence-based recommended methodology. Methods In this study, an experimental design and a mixed method of data collection will be applied. Twenty participants aged 65 and over with dementia or mild cognitive impairment will be recruited. Eight sessions of interaction with the robot, as well as qualitative and quantitative assessments, will be accomplished. The research will take place in a laboratory. Ethical approvals have been acquired. This research will be valuable in the development of the MINI robot and its practical deployment in the actual world, as well as the methodological evidence base in the sector of social robots. Discussion By the winter of 2022–2023, the findings of this study will be accessible for dissemination. This study will aid to improve the evidence-based methodology used to study the feasibility and usability of social robots in people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment as well as what can be learned to advance such study designs in the future.

Acceptability of the Social Robot Mini and Attitudes of People with Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Mixed Method Study

“…This experiment's methodology was based on a recent scoping review and recommendations for evaluating social robots in elderly adults and PwD (6). The study protocol of this research was previously published in the BMC Psychiatry journal (17).…”

Ten Years of TeleHealth and Digital Healthcare: Where Are We?

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a real training ground in this field and an unexpected growth stimulus never experienced before, with the consolidation of ancient areas and the exploration of new areas. Furthermore, even in TH and DH, one can currently count on the use of emerging technologies, such as robotics [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], augmented reality [ 28 ], virtual reality [ 29 ], and artificial intelligence [ 30 , 31 ]. Moreover, assistive technologies have played a strategic role during the pandemic as they were consolidated in the context of different applications and disabilities relating communication and motion [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Big Data have played a strategic role in overcoming the pandemic [ 52 ]. Assistance for the disabled has tested new solutions [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], such as the social robot, which has played an innovative role as a support and/or mediator between a therapist and a patient [ 24 , 25 , 27 ]. In this case, the therapist have experienced a radical change in their role.…”

Assessing Feasibility of Cognitive Impairment Testing Using Social Robotic Technology Augmented with Affective Computing and Emotional State Detection Systems

“…In 2022, D'Onofrio et al [11] presented the "EMOTIVE Project", which focused on emotion recognition by a Pepper robot, indicating a significant advancement in our knowledge of the robot's empathetic capabilities so that it can better interact with patients. In recent years, social robots have been employed in different innovative research fields to enhance people's well-being, autonomy, and independence [12]. Several studies have contributed to the understanding and validation of the feasibility and usability of social robots in various healthcare settings.…”

“…In 2021, Cobo Hurtado et al [13] developed and validated a social robot platform for physical and cognitive stimulation in elderly care facilities, demonstrating the benefits of such technology in enhancing care services. A study conducted by Asl et al [12] improved the evidence-based methodology for using the MINI social robot with individuals with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. The study highlighted its potential impact on cognitive assessments and the provision of psycho-social and cognitive stimulation.…”