Pascale Heins

Maastricht University

Papers

3

Total Citations

62

H-Index

3

About

Pascale Heins is a leading researcher at the intersection of gerontechnology, dementia care, and human-robot interaction. Her work focuses on how socially assistive technologies—from low-cost robotic pets to digital platforms—can combat social isolation and support meaningful engagement for older adults and people living with dementia. In her highly cited 2021 study (35 citations), Heins conducted a qualitative content analysis of user experiences with a low-cost pet robot, revealing its powerful role in providing companionship and reducing loneliness. She further advanced the field by bridging occupational therapy principles with technology design in her 2024 paper (24 citations), arguing that successful implementation of assistive technologies requires deep collaboration with clinicians. Most recently, as part of the INTERDEM AI & Assistive Technology Taskforce, she led a systematic review of systematic reviews (2025) that synthesizes the current evidence on digital tools for community-dwelling individuals with dementia. With a growing citation impact and a clear translational focus, Heins is shaping how we design, evaluate, and deploy technologies that truly meet the complex needs of aging populations.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

3
H-Index
3
Papers
62
Total Citations
21
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
The Usability and Impact of a Low-Cost Pet Robot for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Qualitative Content Analysis of User Experiences and Perceptions on Consumer Websites
35 citations · 2021
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2021 (1 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 33
🏛 Institutions: Maastricht University

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 13 days ago