Using a social robot to help individuals with disabilities manage daily activities
The (Cost)Effectiveness of a Social Robot in Decreasing Professional Caregiver Support and Increasing Independence for Persons in Disability Care Experiencing Problems in Daily Structure and Planning: a Multiple Baseline Case Study
This study is testing whether a social robot can help people with disabilities manage their daily activities better and become more independent while needing less help from caregivers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Academy Het Dorp Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Sittard, Limburg and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06592404 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a social robot designed to assist individuals with disabilities in managing daily structure and planning. Participants will use the robot in their daily lives while caregivers track the frequency of support needed. The study aims to determine if the robot can reduce caregiver support and promote independence over a six-week period, with follow-up assessments at six months. Participants will also provide feedback on their quality of life and experiences with the robot.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older living in long-term disability care facilities who struggle with planning and executing daily activities.
Not a fit: Patients who exhibit physical aggression or are highly sensitive to auditory stimuli may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance independence and well-being for individuals with disabilities while improving caregiver efficiency.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of social robots in care settings is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing independence and reducing caregiver burden.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: ≥18 years * Living in an inpatient long-term disability care facility * Participant 1) has difficulty with planning and structuring and/or remembering tasks, appointments, and activities, and/or 2) needs outside activation to execute tasks, appointments, and activities * Able to understand verbal instructions and willing to follow these * Cognitive capacity to, together with their professional caregiver, set goals to work on with the social robot * Motivated to work with the social robot on 3-5 goals, for which the participant receives daily or weekly guidance in their home * Professional caregivers are motivated to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Prone to express tension in physical aggression * Highly sensitive to auditory stimuli
Where this trial is running
Sittard, Limburg and 2 other locations
- Sgl — Sittard, Limburg, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Hartekamp Groep — Velserbroek, North Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Ipse de Bruggen — Zoetermeer, South Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brigitte JF Boon, Prof. Dr. — Academy Het Dorp, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Study coordinator: Kirstin N Dam, van, MSc.
- Email: info@academyhetdorp.nl
- Phone: +31 88 37 79 999
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.