Using a therapeutic companion robot for dementia symptoms in long-term care: reflections from a cluster-RCT

ABSTRACT

Objectives: We undertook a cluster-randomised controlled trial exploring the effect of a therapeutic companion robot (PARO) compared to a look-alike plush toy and usual care on dementia symptoms of long-term care residents. Complementing the reported quantitative outcomes , this paper provides critical reflection and commentary on individual participant responses to PARO, observed through video recordings , with a view to informing clinical practice and research.

Method: A descriptive, qualitative design with five participants selected from the PARO intervention arm of the trial. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614000508673).

Results: The five participants and their responses to PARO are presented in terms of three issues: i.) Different pre-intervention clinical presentations and different responses; ii.) Same individual, different response – the need for continual assessment and review; and iii.) The ethics of giving and retrieving PARO. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed in relation to each issue.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that one approach does not fit all, and that there is considerable variation in responses to PARO. A number of recommendations are discussed to aid the delivery of psychosocial interventions with PARO in practice, as well as to guide future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Cognitive Impairment
• Care Planning
• Psychosocial Interventions
• Qualitative
• Robotics

Acknowledgements

We thank all aged care organisations, facilities, care staff, residents, and families who participated in the research. We also acknowledge Dr Marguerite Bramble, Dr Jasmin Grayson-Collins and Ms Amanda McNiven for their assistance with project management and cluster leadership, and Dr Siobhan O'Dwyer and Dr Cindy Mervin for their participation in the research.

Disclosure statement

Wendy Moyle was personally loaned equipment (five of the PARO) for the duration of the cluster-RCT by the developer, Dr Takanori Shibata. Dr Shibata provided no monetary support for the study, and had no role in any aspect of the study design, undertaking data analysis and results interpretation, and in the reporting of the findings and preparation of the manuscript. All other authors declare no financial, personal, or potential conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council under Grant 1065320.