Nurses’ Perceptions and Utilization Plans for Applying Companion Robots to Acute Stroke Patient Care: A Delphi Study

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore nurses' perceptions of, and utilization plans for, companion robots to support the physical and mental health of patients with acute stroke. In addition, the study sought to provide foundational data for the development of companion robots tailored to acute stroke patients. It also investigated obstructive factors and potential solutions to difficulties encountered when applying companion robots in the care of patients with acute stroke. METHODS: Using the Delphi technique, this study surveyed 14 nurses working in the neurology ward and stroke intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Seoul across three survey rounds. RESULTS: After completion of the three Delphi survey rounds, Cronbach's α was 0.78, and stability values were all below 0.5; therefore, no additional rounds were conducted. A total of 54 items were finally selected, including 10 items related to educational aspects for nurses and patients, 12 items addressing impacts on nurses and patients, 19 items describing companion robot functions required for stroke patients, and 13 items identifying the most appropriate design elements. CONCLUSIONS: Companion robots are expected to contribute to the physical and emotional care of patients with acute stroke admitted to tertiary hospitals by functioning as a nursing intervention, while also reducing nurses' workload, improving the quality of nursing care, and supporting patient safety management. In addition, efforts should be made to ensure the harmonious control and utilization of newly developed robots and to strengthen robot-related job competencies among nurses.