Social robotics as an adjuvant during the hospitalization process in pediatric oncology patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of implementing social robotics as an adjuvant during the hospitalization process in pediatric oncology patients. METHODS: Before and after cohort study, applying an intervention with the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit in patients between 8 and 17 years old that are hospitalized with a cancer diagnosis. We excluded patients from the intensive care unit or when their treating physician recommended so. The intervention consisted of a three-phase workshop: an open architecture story, building a car robot using the Lego Mindstorm EV3 kit, and cooperative playing activities such as races and passing obstacles. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received the intervention with robotic lego. The median age was 15 years (IQR = 3), and 84.6% of the population (n = 11) were male. We found significant improvement in the language (topic management p = .011 and communicative intention p = .034). Other characteristics improved, but not significantly (self-care activities index, catching). No adverse events occurred during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study suggest that implementing social robotics during hospitalization in children with cancer is a therapeutic adjuvant and safe intervention that promotes better communication, self-care, and a physical activity improvement. For future studies, the impact of this intervention could be measured in hospitalized pediatric cancer patients.

Education by a social robot on nutrition and catheter care in pediatric oncology patients.

PURPOSE: To improve knowledge on nutrition and catheter care in children with cancer by an educational intervention with a social robot. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study on pediatric cancer patients in a high complexity Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. We included 14 patients (8-17 years old) who underwent an educational intervention with the help of a humanoid robot (Nao V6). The robot was programmed to transmit educational messages about self-care in feeding and using the central venous catheter. A survey with yes-no questions was administered before and after the intervention. RESULTS: We found an improvement in understanding of the subject matter related to nutrition and catheter care, when comparing the knowledge on topics before and after the educational intervention (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Education by a social robot on nutrition and catheter care showed a positive effect on children's knowledge on these topics. Therefore, it potentially decreases the risk of poor feeding habits and inadequate central venous catheter management, and improves adherence to recommendations and quality of life.