Record STMT-W61E127Aspirational

The perceptions of university students on technological and ethical risks of using robots in long-term care homes

Report Institutional policyAmericas · CAin force

This qualitative study investigates university students' perceptions regarding the technological and ethical risks of using telepresence robots in long-term care (LTC) homes. Conducted via semi-structured interviews and hands-on testing, the research identified themes surrounding older adults' acceptance, person-centered care, staffing capacity, safety considerations, and the role of robots in supplementing human interaction. The findings highlight the importance of intergenerational perspectives and resident autonomy when implementing gerontechnology.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

Frontiers Media SAAcademic · CH

Publisher

University of British ColumbiaAcademic · CA

Lead issuer

Legal forceAspirational

Under whose authorityInstitutional policy

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

Researchers and academicsGeneral publicCompaniesAI deployers and users

Researchers, healthcare decision-makers, and technology developers seeking to understand user perceptions of robotics in aged care.

Sectors

Healthcare · long-term care homesResearch and science · academic research

What the document contains

What's covered

The document covers a qualitative study on university students' perspectives regarding the ethical, technological, and social implications of deploying telepresence robots in long-term care homes. It addresses themes of resident acceptance, privacy, physical safety, staffing constraints, and the balance between automated and human interaction.

What's missing

The text does not provide regulatory frameworks, legal enforcement mechanisms, or formal technical standards for robotics development.

Key takeaways

University students generally perceive telepresence robots as useful supplementary tools for maintaining social connections for long-term care residents.
Participants emphasized that technology in long-term care must be implemented using a person-centered approach that prioritizes resident autonomy and choice.
Identified risks included physical safety concerns and privacy/confidentiality issues, though students believed these could be effectively managed.
Staffing capacity and technical training are critical factors for successfully adopting and maintaining robotics in care facilities.
Including intergenerational perspectives is valuable for informing equitable decision-making and technology design in healthcare.

Outline

· Introduction
· Methods
· Results
· Discussion
· Conclusion

Issued21 December 2023

Length8,926 words

FormatNot recorded

Scopenational

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

2/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

Participants shared the importance of the voice of the resident and their own for creating more equitable decision-making and advocating for including this type of technology within LTC.

Results

screening score · 2026-10-24

Fairness

2/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

Furthermore, researchers explored inequalities and ageism. Mariano and colleagues suggested that the ageist stereotypes contributed to the underuse of technology in the older population

Introduction

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Dignity

3/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

Participants also discussed how the implementation of technology should support older adults’ autonomy and be part of the decision-making process on whether to use the robot.

Person-centered care

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Oversight

3/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

So, participants expressed how older adults, if possible, should be able to decide on when to start, end, or reschedule a video call

Person-centered care

screening score · 2026-10-24

Transparency

1/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

Many participants noted that technical training would be necessary to help older adults develop a positive attitude and instill confidence when using the robot.

Older adults’ acceptance and learning

screening score · 2026-10-24

Enforcement

0/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

screening score · 2026-10-24

Impact Assessment

3/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

The study aimed to understand the perspectives of multidisciplinary university students, including healthcare students, on using telepresence robots in LTC homes. The study would contribute to the future planning, implementation, and design of robotics in LTC.

Introduction

screening score · 2026-10-24

Topics

Physical AI Governancesupporting

telepresence_robots long_term_care gerontechnology ethical_risks person_centered_care