Abstract
Objectives
Pet robots are technology-based substitutes for live animals that have demonstrated
psychosocial benefits for people living with dementia in long-term care. However,
little research has been conducted to understand how pet robots should be implemented
in routine care. This study aims to identify, contextualize, and achieve expert consensus
on strategies to implement pet robots as part of dementia care in long-term care facilities.
Design
A 2-round modified Delphi study.
Settings and Participants
An international panel of 56 experts from 14 countries, involving care professionals,
organizational leaders, and researchers.
Methods
A list of potentially relevant strategies was identified, contextualized, and revised
using empirical data and through stakeholder consultations. These strategies constituted
statements for Round 1. Experts rated the relative importance of each statement on
a 9-point scale, and free-text fields allowed them to provide justifications. Consensus
was predefined as ≥75% agreement. Statements not reaching an agreement were brought
forward to Round 2. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,
and textual data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Results
Thirteen strategies reached consensus; 11 were established as critical: (1) assess
readiness and identify barriers and facilitators, (2) purposely reexamine the implementation,
(3) obtain and use residents' and their family's feedback, (4) involve residents and
their family, (5) promote adaptability, (6) conduct ongoing training, (7) conduct
educational meetings, (8) conduct local consensus discussions, (9) organize clinician
implementation team meetings, (10) provide local technical assistance, and (11) access
new funding. Other strategies received differing extents of agreement. Reasons for
variations included contextual differences, such as resource availability, organizational
structures, and staff turnover.
Conclusions and Implications
This study identified the most relevant strategies that can be used by technology
developers, care providers, and researchers to implement pet robots in long-term care
facilities for dementia care. Further development, specification, and testing in real-world
settings are needed.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: November 01, 2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
This work was supported by the Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) action, H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018 , under grant agreement number 813196 . The funder had no role in the design, conduct, and writing of this paper.
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© 2022 AMDA - The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
