Microbial contamination and efficacy of disinfection procedures of companion robots in care homes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Paro and other robot animals can improve wellbeing for older adults and people with dementia, through reducing depression, agitation and medication use. However, nursing and care staff we contacted expressed infection control concerns. Little related research has been published. We assessed (i) how microbiologically contaminated robot animals become during use by older people within a care home and (ii) efficacy of a cleaning procedure.

Methods

This study had two stages. In stage one we assessed microbial load on eight robot animals after interaction with four care home residents, and again following cleaning by a researcher. Robot animals provided a range of shell-types, including fur, soft plastic, and solid plastic. Stage two involved a similar process with two

SUBMITTER: Bradwell HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7449478 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature