A Scoping Review on Long‐Term Care Workers' Perceptions of Robot‐Assisted Care for Older Adults in Long‐Term Care Facilities

Abstract

AIMS: To synthesise the current research on long-term care workers' perceptions (i.e., attitudes, concerns, and expected functions) of robot-assisted care and their perceived effects of different types of robot-assisted care for older adults in long-term care facilities. DESIGN: Scoping review. DATA SOURCES: A search was conducted in July 2024 using five databases. Articles published between 2010 and 2024 on the perceptions and/or perceived effects of robot-assisted care for older adults among frontline long-term care workers in long-term care facilities were identified. Additionally, the reference lists of the included articles were manually searched. METHODS: A five-step framework that guided the development of research questions, screening of studies, and synthesis and presentation of data was adopted. Two authors independently screened and analysed the identified articles. Conflicts were resolved through joint-discussions. RESULTS: Forty-one articles were included in the review. Data were narratively synthesised into three categories: expected function of care robots, perceived effects of robot-assisted care, and attitudes and concerns regarding robot-assisted care. Subcategories were identified and presented in tabular form. CONCLUSION: This review shows the physical, psychological, social, and practical benefits and limitations of different types of robot-assisted care. It also contributes to understanding long-term care workers' attitudes, concerns, and expectations regarding the function of robot-assisted care. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Having a priori discussion with long-term care workers about their expectations regarding using robot-assisted care is needed. Improvements in the design and in the digital literacy of the workers are also necessary. IMPACT: This review provides an overview of the perceptions and perceived effects of different types of robot-assisted care among care workers in long-term care facilities. The findings provide practical implications and highlight areas in need of further studies. REPORTING METHOD: Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.