Kikuko Okuda

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About

Kikuko Okuda is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of geriatric nursing, human-robot interaction, and dementia care. Her work focuses on addressing Japan’s critical healthcare challenge: supporting an aging population of both patients and healthcare workers through innovative technological solutions. Okuda’s most cited study, “Characteristics of a Transactive Phenomenon in Relationships among Older Adults with Dementia, Nurses as Intermediaries, and Communication Robot” (2017, 28 citations), introduces a groundbreaking framework for understanding how communication robots can facilitate meaningful interactions in dementia care. She identifies the “transactive phenomenon,” where nurses act as intermediaries to bridge the communication gap between older adults with cognitive decline and robotic companions. This research has significant implications for reducing caregiver burden while enhancing patient engagement and quality of life. Okuda’s work is notable for its human-centered approach, emphasizing that technology should augment—not replace—human care. By documenting real-world relational dynamics, she provides practical guidance for integrating robots into geriatric settings. Her contributions are particularly timely as developed nations seek sustainable solutions for aging populations, making her a key voice in the future of compassionate, technology-assisted elder care.