Clara Balsano
Papers
1
Total Citations
46
H-Index
1
About
Clara Balsano’s research sits at the vital intersection of pediatric medicine and human-robot interaction, exploring how technology can alleviate psychological distress in young patients. Her most cited work, a 2021 randomized clinical trial using the social robot NAO in a pediatric emergency department, demonstrated that interactive robots can significantly reduce children’s anxiety while waiting for consultations. This landmark study, with 46 citations, provided the first rigorous evidence that social robots offer emotional support in high-stress clinical environments without requiring painful procedures. Beyond this flagship contribution, Balsano’s broader research portfolio investigates how robotic companionship can transform pediatric care, from emergency settings to chronic illness management. Her work has been instrumental in establishing protocols for deploying social robots in hospitals, bridging engineering and child psychology. By proving that a simple, non-pharmacological intervention can ease fear and distress, Balsano has opened new avenues for humane, technology-enhanced pediatric care. Her findings continue to influence both clinical practice and the design of future healthcare robots, making her a leading voice in compassionate, child-centered medical innovation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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