JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Robotic technologies present challenges to healthcare professionals and are therefore rarely used. Barriers such as lack of controllability and adaptability and complex control functions affect the human-robot relationship. In addition to educational opportunities, the possibility of individual adaptation can improve the usability and practical implementation of robotics. Previous work has focused on developments from a technology-centred perspective and has included user interests too late in the process.

Objective:

Therefore, the research question of this scoping review is how a co-creatively designed cross-robot technology interaction and control platform can improve the usability, intended use and care goal-related application of digital and assistive technologies and support the care process.

Methods:

This scoping review provides an overview of the topic and the research activities taking place within it. Five databases and the reference lists of the identified publications were searched for studies without further restrictions. Studies were included if they developed and evaluated interaction and control platforms for robotic systems in healthcare in a co-creative way with end-users.

Results:

The search resulted in 419 hits, of which three publications were included. All publications are feasibility or user studies that were mainly carried out in the European Union. The three interaction and control platforms presented were all prototypes and not commercially available. In addition to those in need of care, all studies also included their family carers and other healthcare professionals.

Conclusions:

Robotic interaction and control platforms in healthcare are rarely, if ever, developed and evaluated as feasibility or user studies with prototypes and end-users. While the involvement of end users is crucial, the review emphasizes that all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, should participate in the development process to ensure a holistic understanding of application needs and focussing on user experiences and practical healthcare needs. It is emphasised that the active involvement of end-users in the development process is critical to effectively meeting the needs of the target group.