Care and Robotics as Health Assistive Technologies: An Integrative Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Introduction: Robotics is an emerging technology with great potential to improve patient care by providing physical, emotional, and social support to people in need of care. The study aimed to analyze the evidence for the use of robotics to improve care outcomes in terms of safety, effectiveness, acceptability, and efficiency. Methods: Integrative review according to PRISMA 2020. The search in Medline, LILACS, Scielo and Google Scholar used Boolean operators and specific descriptors. Qualitative, mixed and quantitative studies in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included. Quality was assessed using the Johns Hopkins model. Results: 20 articles were analyzed, including primary (n=6) and secondary (n=14) studies. The categories analyzed were safety, efficacy, acceptability and efficiency. Results indicated that robotics can improve postoperative recovery, reduce hospital stay, and provide emotional and social benefits. However, specific risks and the need for ongoing staff training were identified. Conclusions: Robotics improve healthcare but face high costs and require specialized training. Further studies are needed to validate its benefits and ensure safe implementation