Care Personnel's Attitudes and Fears Toward Care Robots in Elderly Care: A Comparison of Data from the Care Personnel in Finland and Japan

DiscussionThe data from the Japanese care personnel bring new perspectives to the concept of a close human –robot relationship. The differences seen in the results between Finland and Japan can be partly explained by cultural dissimilarity, but it is also known that Japan is a more developed country with regard to the use of robotics in nursing care. The research highlights the importance of cultural f actors when examining the issue of care robotics. The factors affecting fear are a concern that care robots would be used to replace people, the dehumanization of treatment, and an increased loneliness in the elderly. Thus, further research is required to demonstrate the relationship between differe nt cultural factors, and attitudes and conceptions toward care robots.Clinical RelevanceManagement plays a key role when implementing robotics. It is important to help care personnel accept care robots, and to diminish any fears that their introduction would make the treatment of elderly people inhumane or in some way add to their loneliness. As such, education is crucial in changing attitudes and making care personnel understand that care robots can perform routine tasks, allowing care personnel to focus on providing improved care and nursing.

Source: Journal of Nursing Scholarship - November 6, 2018 Category: Nursing Authors: Kirsi Coco, Mari Kangasniemi, Teemu Rantanen Tags: Original Article Source Type: research