Development of an ethical framework for the use of social robots in the care of individuals with major neurocognitive disorders: a qualitative study

Abstract

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 with major neurocognitive disorders. Methods For this descriptive qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 20 healthcare professionals working in geriatric facilities. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and an inductive content analysis was performed to identify certain themes and recommendations concerning the use of social robots with older adults with major neurocognitive disorders. Results Six main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: deciding on and preparing the robot’s integration into an institutional setting, preparing a robotic intervention, introducing the robot to older adults, obtaining consent or assent, conducting a robotic-mediated intervention, and observing the effects of 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 with major neurocognitive disorders. Future research should focus on standardizing guidelines and creating an accessible format for training. Trial Registration IRB N°: 00012021–110.

Keywords

• Ethics
• Social robots
• Older adults
• Major neurocognitive disorders
• Qualitative research