J Korean Gerontol Nurs.  2021 May;23(2):176-186. 10.17079/jkgn.2021.23.2.176.

Experiences of Robot Cognitive Improvement Programs in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Using thematic Analysis and Focus Group Interviewing

• Park EA
• Jung AR

• KMID: 2540557
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17079/jkgn.2021.23.2.176

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore in-depth experiences of subjective memory droppers registered at the Dementia Safety Center in S-si, Gyeonggi-do and older adults who participated in a robot cognitive improvement programs. Methods: A focus group interviewing approach was adopted for this study. Focus groups with a total of 9 older adults were interviewed using semi-structured interview questions from February 18 to February 25, 2021. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes and eight sub-themes emerged. One main theme was ‘discovery of hope for reviving cognitive function’, the second theme was ‘difficulty concentration while learning’, and the third theme was ‘the motivating power that promotes learning’. Conclusion: The findings of the study provide a deep understanding on the experiences of robot-based cognitive improvement programs. It is necessary to expand and operate programs that closely reflect the needs of older adults with subjective memory loss and cognitive decline in order to show long-term effects.

Keyword

Aged; Robotics; Cognition; Focus groups