Connecting the person with dementia and family: a feasibility study of a telepresence robot.
BACKGROUND
Maintenance of communication is important for people with dementia living in long-term care. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using "Giraff", a telepresence robot to enhance engagement between family and a person with dementia living in long-term care.


METHODS
A mixed-methods approach involving semi-structured interviews, call records and video observational data was used. Five people with dementia and their family member participated in a discussion via the Giraff robot for a minimum of six times over a six-week period. A feasibility framework was used to assess feasibility and included video analysis of emotional response and engagement.


RESULTS
Twenty-six calls with an average duration of 23 mins took place. Residents showed a general state of positive emotions across the calls with a high level of engagement and a minimal level of negative emotions. Participants enjoyed the experience and families reported that the Giraff robot offered the opportunity to reduce social isolation. A number of software and hardware challenges were encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants perceived this novel approach to engage families and people with dementia as a feasible option. Participants were observed and also reported to enjoy the experience. The technical challenges identified have been improved in a newer version of the robot. Future research should include a feasibility trial of longer duration, with a larger sample and a cost analysis.
Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane QLD 4111, Australia. w.moyle@griffith.edu.au.
Wendy
W
Moyle
Cindy
C
Jones
Marie
M
Cooke
Siobhan
S
O'Dwyer
Billy
B
Sung
Suzie
S
Drummond
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods*