Co-creating the future: the use of multifunctional robots in occupational therapy and dementia.

Project Description

Dementia is a complex condition which can cause a diverse range of symptoms that impact everyday life for the person living with dementia, including their families' caregivers and supporters. Evidence indicates that access to rehabilitation offered by allied health professionals (AHP), including occupational therapists, can enhance outcomes for people with dementia. More recently this has included technological solutions, with increased interest in how and in what way multifunctional robots can be adopted in practice. However, whilst literature in occupational therapy indicates the potential value of robots to practice, often the views of those living with dementia, their caregivers, including therapists themselves, are ignored.

This study therefore seeks to include and co-design a project in partnership with people with dementia, their caregivers and occupational therapists. The aim of which is to capture their multiple views on the potential use of robots in dementia. In parallel, to understand if multifunctional robots can promote meaningful person-centred participation in occupations (our everyday activities that support what we need, want, and must do), to enhance rehabilitation outcomes in dementia.

This will include the creation of a Novi survey, distributed to occupational therapists across the United Kingdom (UK) to capture existing professional knowledge and awareness of the potential use of multifunctional robots in dementia practice. Secondly, to co-create with people with dementia, caregivers and occupational therapists, workshop(s) delivered at the National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh that will introduce examples of multifunctional robots, and to gather participant views on how they can be used in practice.