Social Robots for Pediatric Asthma Education: A Pilot Study
摘要
Hospital discharge marks a crucial transition point in care, particularly for pediatric asthma patients, where education is essential but often rushed or not delivered properly. To address this challenge, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of using a socially assistive robot to deliver asthma education during pediatric hospital discharge. The system integrates validated educational content into a structured, robot-led dialogue. We evaluated the usability, engagement, and perceived effectiveness of the system. The study involved 11 university students assigned roles simulating a discharge scenario. Results showed that over 78% of participants rated the robot’s usability positively, more than 81% found the interaction engaging, and over 90% expressed a favorable attitude toward the robot. All participants reported satisfaction with the educational experience. These initial findings demonstrate the potential of social robots to enhance discharge education for pediatric asthma, supporting better understanding and preparedness among both patients and caregivers.