Abstract
Background
Despite the growing use of social robots in geriatric care, there is a lack of standardized ethical guidelines to inform and guide professionals in their implementation.
Objective
This study has two main objectives: 1) to understand how professionals conducting social robot interventions (SRIs) perceive and approach the ethical issues linked to the use of social robots with older adults and 2) to establish ethical guidelines to help professionals carry out SRIs with older adults.
Methods
For this descriptive qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 20 healthcare professionals working in geriatric facilities. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and a content analysis was performed to identify certain themes and recommendations concerning the use of social robots with older adults.
Results
Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: the clear and direct presentation of the robot, obtaining consent from the beneficiary concerning its use, and the emphasis on human contact in robot-mediated interventions. Additionally, the following subthemes were evoked: imposed social robotic use, extra time and effort, careful selection of beneficiaries for robotic therapy, adaptability, technical problems, and the need for guidelines and training in ethical social robot use.
Conclusion
The use of social robots should be guided by the same ethical guidelines followed in all therapeutic interventions; however, healthcare professionals express a need for special training and preparation for SRIs in geriatric settings. We have drafted several preliminary recommendations for carrying out SRIs with older adults. Future research should focus on standardizing guidelines and creating an accessible format for training.
Trial Registration:
IRB N°: 00012021-110