Caregiver Burden, Dementia, Social Behavior
Conditions
Brief summary
This research will assess the effect of companion robotic pets on the wellbeing of older adults and their family caregivers.
Detailed description
Social robot pets have been shown to have a positive impact on age-related physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges that affect independence and quality of life. These pets are designed to interact with people as a real pet might. They purr when stroked, make eye contact, have a heartbeat, turn toward a person when touched, are warm, and appear lifelike. Does introduction of such a pet reduce loneliness or promote engagement in older adults with cognitive or physical disability? This research will determine if: 1. Older adults with disabilities engage with such robotic companions; 2. Placing a robotic pet in a home enhances mood and positive affect in older people; 3. Caregivers to these adults find the robots beneficial for their own mood and time use. In a single-blind randomized controlled trial over 6-8 weeks, we hypothesize that older adults in the intervention arm will engage with the pets and show benefit in mood as reported by family caregivers.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALHasbro Joy for All robot pet companion
The robot pets are stuffed animals (dogs and cats) that have features that make them seem lifelike. For example, the animal toys turn their heads when petted, purr or make puppy sounds, feel warm, have a heartbeat, and go to sleep when they are ignored. They respond to attention and petting like a real pet. The robot pets do not collect information and do not require any maintenance, except a battery. Engagement with the device is at the discretion of participants.
Sponsors
Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging
University of Pittsburgh
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcomes assessor blind to treatment allocation
Intervention model description
Single-blind randomized controlled trial
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Participating in Family Caregiver Support Program or OPTIONS Program administered by Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging 2. Provide unpaid family or friend caregiver support for at least 6 months 3. Older person aged 50+ 4. Able to provide verbal informed consent
Exclusion criteria
1. Uncomfortable with robot pet companion in home 2. Family Caregiver \< 18 years age
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Positive Affect Scale from Baseline to 6-8 weeks | Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later | PROMIS Positive Affect Short Form 15a Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean 50, SD=10). The scale measures positive emotion (e.g., enjoyment, engagement, serenity). |
| Change in Negative Affect from Baseline to 6-8 weeks | Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later | PROMIS Emotional Distress and Anger Short Form Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean = 50, SD=10). The scale measures emotional distress (e.g., irritability, anger). |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement with Pet | Follow-up interview, 6-8 weeks after baseline | Adapted companion animal questionnaire, treatment arm. The scale measures daily involvement with a pet, such as the frequency of holding the animal, sleeping in the same room, feeling responsible for the animal). Scale scores range from 6-30. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed