Kiyoko Makimoto

Konan Women's University, The University of Osaka

Papers

Total Citations

134

H-Index

About

Kiyoko Makimoto is a leading researcher in gerontological nursing and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the use of socially assistive robots in dementia care. Her work critically evaluates how technologies like the therapeutic robot PARO can improve quality of life for older adults, while also examining the practical and emotional dimensions of integrating these tools into clinical settings. Her highly cited 2019 review of outcome measures in PARO robot intervention studies (97 citations) established a foundational framework for assessing the effectiveness of robotic companions in dementia care. More recently, her qualitative study during the COVID-19 pandemic (37 citations) provided vital insights into nurses’ perceptions of care robots, highlighting both the potential and the challenges of deploying socially assistive technology under crisis conditions. Makimoto’s research bridges nursing science, robotics, and patient-centered care, offering evidence-based guidance for implementing technology that respects both caregiver and patient experiences. Her work is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of aging, dementia care, and the ethical integration of robots into healthcare.