Phase zero study for programming a sociable humanoid robot to increase activity in stroke rehabilitation inpatients.

Abstract

Background: It is well recognised that stroke rehabilitation patients spend a lot of time in hospital alone and inactive. There are no established strategies for addressing this. A grant was obtained to exploring the requirements for programming an autonomous humanoid robot to facilitate an increase in social, physical and cognitive activity in stroke rehabilitation inpatients. Aim(s): Detail the approach and findings from a phase zero, scoping study to inform the optimization of programming the robot. Method(s): Multi-disciplinary, cross-industry (health, robotics, psychology) team involved with multiple brainstorming sessions, site visit to stroke rehabilitation ward, focus group discussions with stroke rehabilitation inpatients and experienced multi-disciplinary stroke rehabilitation nursing and allied health professions. Result(s): Rehabilitation staff were very enthusiastic about the potential benefits from the project and patients overall were excited and positive. There were many common themes and issues within these among both staff and patients. Topics covered by focus groups included: how the robot could potentially help patients be more active and sociable; potential barriers to patient participation; safety issues; timing and duration of robot sessions. Discussion(s): The project team believe that the information gained from the phase zero study will be invaluable for the success of the project. It is believed that these type of phase zero studies should be performed whenever an innovative change, such as the introduction of robots to inpatient rehabilitation, is introduced as part of a research project.