Feasibility of a Novel Socially Assistive Robot With Smart Sensing to Care for Individuals With ADRD

TL;DR

This paper explores the feasibility of a new robot, MARSS, to support individuals with ADRD in home and retirement settings through smart sensing and care protocols.

Contribution

The study introduces MARSS, a novel SAR with multi-modal capabilities, and evaluates its feasibility and acceptance in real-world settings.

Findings

Preliminary data from five caregiver-care recipient dyads using MARSS for 3-6 months is being analyzed for feasibility and effectiveness.

Qualitative interviews and Goal Attainment Scaling are being used to assess user acceptance and goal achievement.

The NIH Stage Model guides iterative refinement of MARSS for future randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Several studies have highlighted the scope of socially assistive robots (SARs) to care of individuals with ADRD in supervised or institutionalized settings. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of SARs to independently support aging-in-place at homes and retirement facilities are yet to be explored. This overview section will highlight the significance of our project to support caregiving and daily living routines of individuals with ADRD. We will elucidate the technological framework used to develop a novel SAR, Mobile Assistive Robot with Smart Sensing (MARSS), with multi-modal capabilities to deliver care protocols. We will present findings from an ongoing mixed-method pilot study with five caregiver-care recipient dyads who utilized MARSS in the community for 3-6 months. Findings pertaining to feasibility, preliminary effectiveness and acceptance of the SAR will be presented through analysis of in-depth qualitative data (pre-and post-intervention) as well as monthly data gathered using Goal Attainment Scaling. Qualitative content analysis of data gathered through semi-structured interviews (based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) prior to the introduction, during usage, and end of trial is currently underway. The Goal Attainment Scaling involves individualized care goals set with the caregiver that considers the degree of accomplishment of each goal, importance of each goal (weight), and the difficulty with the goal at baseline. The project employs the NIH Stage Model for Intervention Development to identify and validate the target behaviors among care partners leading to potential adoption of MARSS, and to iteratively refine the technology towards a randomized controlled trial.