title: How do older adults experience and perceive socially assistive robots in aged care: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review was to gain a better understanding of how older adults experience, perceive, think, and feel about the use of socially assistive robots (SARs) in aged care settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a literature search for studies that used a qualitative or a mixed-method approach having a significant qualitative element. Pubmed, Cinahl, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were queried. Candidate articles published in journals and conference proceedings were considered for review. Two independent reviewers assessed the included studies for methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program, after which data on subjects' self-reported opinions and perceptions were extracted and synthesized using thematic analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventeen studies producing 23 publications were included. Based on the opinions of older adults, four themes emerged in relation to the use of SARS: (1) roles of a SAR; (2) interaction between the older adult and the SAR, which could be further subdivided into (a) the technical aspect of the interaction and (b) the human aspect of the interaction; (3) appearance of the SAR; and (4) normative/ethical issues regarding the use of SARs in aged care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older adults have clear positive and negative opinions about different aspects of SARs in aged care. Nonetheless, some opinions can be ambiguous and need more attention if SARs are to be considered for use in aged care. Understanding older adults' lived experiences with SARs creates the possibility of using an approach that embeds technological innovation into the care practice itself.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law , KU Leuven - University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.
authors.forename: Tijs
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5683-6067
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vandemeulebroucke
authors.affiliation: b Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery , KU Leuven - University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.
authors.forename: Bernadette Dierckx
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: de Casterlé
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law , KU Leuven - University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gastmans
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D012371:Robotics; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D012938:Social Perception
keywords: Elderly; aged care; lived experiences; robotics; socially assistive robots