Using robots at home to improve health outcomes

Abstract

In this talk I will present my recent trial of robots with 60 patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Adherence to medication and rehabilitation exercises is suboptimal in this group which increases the risk of hospitalisation. This trial investigated the effectiveness of robots to increase adherence, improve quality of life, and reduce hospital readmissions over a 4-month period compared to a standard care control group. Results will be presented along with future research directions.

Bio

Elizabeth is currently a Fulbright scholar at Tufts where she is furthering her study of companion robots in healthcare.