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

[EN]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...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Asl, Aysan Mahmoudi, Toribio Guzmán, José Miguel, Van der Roest, Henriëtte, Castro González, Álvaro, Malfaz, María, Salichs, Miguel A., Franco Martín, Manuel Ángel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Salamanca (USAL)
Repositorio:GREDOS. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Salamanca
OAI Identifier:oai:gredos.usal.es:10366/166802
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10366/166802
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Acceptability
Dementia
Feasibility
Social robots
Study design
Usability
Descripción
Sumario:[EN]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.