Maintaining health-related quality of life and sense of belonging for pediatric patients with chronic illnesses by using a telepresence robot.

Abstract

Children with chronic illnesses often miss school, leading to negative outcomes like diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sense of belonging. Telepresence robots are suggested to keep these children connected to peers and education, yet little research has explored their impact. This study assessed effects of a telepresence system on HRQoL and sense of belonging in 29 patients with chronic illnesses aged 6 to 18 years, who were absent from school. Using a one-group pre-posttest design, participants completed questionnaires before and 6 months after receiving the robot. It was expected that HRQoL and sense of belonging would remain stable due to the robot. Wilcoxon tests indicated no decline in HRQoL (Z = -.958, 95% CI [-3.1, 8.3]) or sense of belonging (Z = -1.409, 95% CI [-0.3, 0.8]). Spearman correlations revealed a significant correlation between age and changes in school (rs = 0.621, 95% CI [0.200, 0.848]) and friends' subscales (rs = 0.579, 95% CI [-0.136, 829]), suggesting adolescents benefit particularly from the robot. Consistent with prior research, this study shows no change in psychosocial factors, indicating a stabilizing effect of telepresence robots and contributing to sustainable psychosocial care for pediatric patients.