Social and health impacts of exoskeleton use on care workers

TL;DR

This study explores how exoskeletons affect care workers' health and work practices, finding potential benefits with proper implementation.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel mixed-methods approach to evaluate exoskeleton use in care work.

Findings

Exoskeletons reduced muscle activity during work tasks but increased perceived discomfort.

Qualitative feedback showed benefits in bed care activities and potential for work practice improvements.

No significant impact on metabolic strain or exertion was observed.

Abstract

In many countries, the growing shortage of care workers versus the growing number of people needing care is causing concern. In this healthcare transformation, exoskeletons, a form of wearable robotics, have been introduced as a means to aid care workers in their physically demanding and ergonomically challenging work.

This study investigated the human impacts of exoskeleton use in care work. We followed a mixed-methods research approach, presenting a novel combination of qualitative and quantitative research.

We conducted a three-week trial of an exoskeleton with eight assistant nurses in a round-the-clock care home. Qualitative data consist of pre-interviews, post-interviews and user diaries. Quantitative data were collected via physiological measurements.

Several types of social and health impacts of exoskeleton use were identified. The qualitative analysis revealed physical, mental, work practice and learning-related impacts. The exoskeleton was most useful in bed care activities. The physiological measurement results demonstrated a trend-like reduction in muscle activity throughout the workday and in different work tasks when using the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton did not have an impact on metabolic strain or perceived exertion but did increase perceived discomfort after the measured work shift when using the exoskeleton.

Both the qualitative and quantitative results suggest that there is potential for exoskeleton use in care work environments if sufficient attention is paid to its essential prerequisites. These include the care work and tasks in question, care workers’ interests and competences, the environment, planning and organisation of the work, managerial practices and clients’ health.

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