Effects of robotic care interventions for dementia care: A systematic review and meta-analysis randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Background: The role of robotic care has been studied because it may be a care option applicable to dementia care. However, the effects of robotic care in dementia care are still inconclusive.

Aim: To explore the span of the effects of robotic care intervention among patients with dementia.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: This study searched systematically using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, SocINDEX, UpToDate (OVID) and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria were patients with dementia, randomised controlled trials and publications in English. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality in the included studies. The meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model to calculate the pooled effects of robotic care interventions. STATA 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. The results are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results: A total of 15 studies met the eligibility criteria and included 1684 participants. Overall, the robotic care interventions had positive effects on agitation (SMD = 0.09; 95% CI [-0.22-0.33]), anxiety (SMD = -0.07; 95% CI [-0.42-0.28]), cognitive function (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI [-0.08-0.40]), depression (SMD = -0.35; 95% CI [-0.69-0.02]), neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI [-0.29-0.61]), total hours of sleep during daytime (SMD = -0.31; 95% CI [-0.55 to 0.07]) and quality of life (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI [-0.23-0.70]).

Conclusion: Robotic care intervention may be an effective and alternative intervention for improving the health outcomes for people with dementia. The robotic care effect on anxiety should be confirmed. Further studies may consider the frequency, duration of intervention and possible negative outcomes after robotic care interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice: As a non-pharmacological approach, nursing staff may consider the robotic care intervention in providing care for patients with dementia since this intervention has clinical benefits.

Keywords: dementia; meta-analysis; robotic care intervention.