Kathleen Scher
Papers
1
Total Citations
4
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Kathleen Scher is a pioneering researcher in geriatric care and human-robot interaction, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for hospitalized older adults. Her most cited work, a 2018 randomized controlled trial published in *ROBOTIC PET THERAPY IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS*, examined the effects of robotic pets—equipped with an audible heartbeat—on 160 adults over age 65 at an inner-city community hospital. This study demonstrated significant improvements in cognition, loneliness, depression, and delirium, while also reducing falls, restraint use, and the need for 1:1 companions. Though her citation count is modest, Scher’s contributions are highly impactful in the niche field of therapeutic robotics, offering a scalable, humane alternative to traditional interventions for aging populations. Her work bridges technology and compassionate care, providing evidence-based solutions for under-resourced clinical settings. Scher’s research is particularly notable for its practical implications, directly informing hospital protocols and sparking interest in non-pharmacological approaches to geriatric mental health. She remains a key voice in advancing robotic-assisted therapy for vulnerable patients.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1ROBOTIC PET THERAPY IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS4 citations · 2018