Current analysis of the usage of robotics in assisted living facilities for the elderly in Finland
Forsblom, Laura (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024061122841
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024061122841
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to conduct a current analysis of the use of robotics in three assisted living facilities for the elderly in Uusimaa, Finland. The research was carried out as part of the ROBOTA project, initiated in 2022. The primary objective of the project is to enhance the digital skills of nursing staff in the social and healthcare sectors and to improve their capacity to integrate smart technology, such as robotics, into their daily tasks.
The thesis aimed to qualitatively research the current operational routines of these living facilities and explore areas where robotics or software robotics could be implemented. Qualitative research methods, specifically interviews, were chosen to address the topic of the research. Data were gathered from three project-affiliated partners running assisted living facilities for the elderly. The results of the interviews were analyzed individually, and a comprehensive synthesis was derived from the collective results.
The findings highlighted that certain tasks, such as client-related documentation consume a significant amount of time of the employees. This was due to, among other things, cumbersome interfaces. Also, logistical tasks, such as laundry services and transporting medical supplies within the facilities consumed a lot of time. The facilities with higher numbers of clients experienced amplified logistical demands. Based on these results, recommendations were made to the ROBOTA project. To address the issues that arose, it was suggested to intensify the assessment of digital skills of the care workers, and to explore alternative software solutions for the complicated tasks. For logistical challenges, the proposal included considering implementing autonomous robotics.
It is worth noting that the number of interviews conducted was limited and the everyday processes of nurses might not have been fully captured in this study. As an additional suggestion, considering these limitations, it was recommended to the partners to incorporate quantitative studies. This approach would allow for a more extensive sampling of challenges across different facilities.
The thesis aimed to qualitatively research the current operational routines of these living facilities and explore areas where robotics or software robotics could be implemented. Qualitative research methods, specifically interviews, were chosen to address the topic of the research. Data were gathered from three project-affiliated partners running assisted living facilities for the elderly. The results of the interviews were analyzed individually, and a comprehensive synthesis was derived from the collective results.
The findings highlighted that certain tasks, such as client-related documentation consume a significant amount of time of the employees. This was due to, among other things, cumbersome interfaces. Also, logistical tasks, such as laundry services and transporting medical supplies within the facilities consumed a lot of time. The facilities with higher numbers of clients experienced amplified logistical demands. Based on these results, recommendations were made to the ROBOTA project. To address the issues that arose, it was suggested to intensify the assessment of digital skills of the care workers, and to explore alternative software solutions for the complicated tasks. For logistical challenges, the proposal included considering implementing autonomous robotics.
It is worth noting that the number of interviews conducted was limited and the everyday processes of nurses might not have been fully captured in this study. As an additional suggestion, considering these limitations, it was recommended to the partners to incorporate quantitative studies. This approach would allow for a more extensive sampling of challenges across different facilities.