Effects of robotic care interventions for dementia care: A systematic review and meta-analysis randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The role of robotic care has been studied because it may be a care option applicable to dementia care. However, the effects of robotic care in dementia care are still inconclusive. AIM: To explore the span of the effects of robotic care intervention among patients with dementia. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: This study searched systematically using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, SocINDEX, UpToDate (OVID) and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria were patients with dementia, randomised controlled trials and publications in English. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality in the included studies. The meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model to calculate the pooled effects of robotic care interventions. STATA 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. The results are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies met the eligibility criteria and included 1684 participants. Overall, the robotic care interventions had positive effects on agitation (SMD = 0.09; 95% CI [-0.22-0.33]), anxiety (SMD = -0.07; 95% CI [-0.42-0.28]), cognitive function (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI [-0.08-0.40]), depression (SMD = -0.35; 95% CI [-0.69-0.02]), neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI [-0.29-0.61]), total hours of sleep during daytime (SMD = -0.31; 95% CI [-0.55 to 0.07]) and quality of life (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI [-0.23-0.70]). CONCLUSION: Robotic care intervention may be an effective and alternative intervention for improving the health outcomes for people with dementia. The robotic care effect on anxiety should be confirmed. Further studies may consider the frequency, duration of intervention and possible negative outcomes after robotic care interventions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: As a non-pharmacological approach, nursing staff may consider the robotic care intervention in providing care for patients with dementia since this intervention has clinical benefits.

Effect of group reminiscence therapy on depression and perceived meaning of life of veterans diagnosed with dementia at veteran homes.

Most senior veterans who live in veteran homes in Taiwan have few interpersonal relationships. Aging is often accompanied by solitude and illness, which causes senior veterans to doubt the meaning of life and to lose confidence in the value of life. This study tested the effectiveness of a group reminiscence therapy protocol on the depression and meaning of life among elderly institutionalized veterans. A quasi-experimental design was applied. A convenience sample of older adults was drawn from two veteran homes in southern Taiwan. Participants were assigned to intervention or control groups based on the veterans' homes they attended. The participants in the intervention group carried out group reminiscence therapy for 8 weeks in addition to their daily activities. The participants in the comparison group maintained their daily activities. Both groups were evaluated using the GDS-SF and MLS scale including two aspects of depression mood and meaning of life in weeks 1 and 8. The overall life satisfaction increased significantly over time for the intervention group compared to the comparison group from week 1 to week 8. The group reminiscence therapy programs showed promising effects in improving the depression and meaning of life of older veterans living in veteran homes.

Effects of structured group reminiscence therapy on the life satisfaction of institutionalized older adults in Taiwan.

Health issues common among older adults living in institution settings include poor life satisfaction and depression conditions. Engagement in appropriate group reminiscence therapy programs could alleviate these health issues among older adults in long-term care institutions. This study tested the effectiveness of a structured group reminiscence therapy protocol on the life satisfaction of institutionalized older adults. A quasi-experimental design was applied. A convenience sample of older adults was drawn from two nursing homes in southern Taiwan. Participants were assigned to intervention or control groups based on the nursing homes they attended. The participants in the intervention group carried out group reminiscence therapy for 8 weeks in addition to their daily activities. The participants in the control group maintained their daily activities. Both groups were evaluated using a life-satisfaction scale including two aspects of life worries and situations in weeks 1, 8, and 12. The overall life satisfaction increased significantly over time for the intervention group compared to the control group from week 1 to week 8. The structured group reminiscence therapy programs showed promising effects in improving the life satisfaction of older adults living in nursing homes.