Social robot-based depression screening in older adults: A pilot study
Bruno Sanchez de Araujo, Marcelo Fantinato*, Meire Cachioni, Mônica Sanches Yassuda, Ruth Caldeira de Melo, Sarajane Marques Peres, Patrick C. K. Hung
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AbstractBackground: Depression in older adults is a prevalent issue that can lead to severe consequences including a decline in overall health and even suicide. Early detection and management of depression are crucial for preventing such outcomes. The integration of technology solutions in healthcare represents a promising approach to support prevention, diagnosis, and continuous monitoring of patients.
Research aim: This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of depression screening in older adults through interactions facilitated by social robots, focusing on individuals without severe cognitive impairments.
Methods: The study involved five older adults with a minimum score of 24 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), ensuring no significant cognitive impairment. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used as the screening tool. Participants interacted with a social robot and a healthcare professional in alternating sequences for the administration of the GDS-15. Additional assessments using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Godspeed questionnaire series were conducted to evaluate emotional responses and perceptions towards the social robot. Notably, MoCA, PANAS, and Godspeed were not administered by the social robot.
Results: Preliminary data showed that all participants fell within the same depression range when screened by both the social robot and the healthcare professional. The results indicated no adverse effects on participants’ emotional states post-interaction with the social robot, as evidenced by PANAS scores. The Godspeed questionnaire revealed that participants generally had a positive perception of the social robot.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that social robots can effectively perform depression screening in older adults without severe cognitive impairments. Their use matches the assessment outcomes of healthcare professionals and does not negatively impact emotional states, indicating their potential as a feasible and positively perceived tool for early depres-sion diagnosis and continuous monitoring.Keywords: social robots, older adults, elderly, depression, screening.
Bruno Sanchez de Araujo, Marcelo Fantinato*, Meire Cachioni, Mônica Sanches Yassuda, Ruth Caldeira de Melo, Sarajane Marques Peres, Patrick C. K. Hung (2024). Social robot-based depression screening in older adults: A pilot study. Gerontechnology, 23(1), 1-13
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2024.23.1.1027.11