The swift adoption of these technologies has surpassed the establishment of clear guidelines, resulting in varied practices among facilities and individual staff members.
Researchers Dr. Wei Qi Koh and Divya Anantharaman are set to create a guide on ethical simulative technologies for aged care providers. Image: Supplied.
As robotic pets and virtual reality headsets gain prevalence in aged care facilities, Australian researchers caution that the sector is advancing more rapidly than the ethical frameworks necessary for the safe and respectful use of these tools.
A research team from the University of Queensland is spearheading a two-phase study aimed at understanding how individuals with dementia, their families, and aged care staff view the ethical challenges associated with these ‘simulative technologies’—tools designed to replicate real-world experiences to enhance psychosocial wellbeing.
Their research seeks to fill a void in the global discourse, where ethicists and scholars have long debated the advantages and disadvantages of deception, autonomy, and psychological harm, yet the perspectives of those living with dementia have been largely overlooked.
Study leader Dr. Wei Qi Koh emphasized the increasing necessity for a framework to guide the ethical application of simulated technologies in aged care settings.
“It is essential to employ technology ethically at every phase—from thoughtfully assessing its appropriateness for individuals and obtaining the necessary consents, to ensuring responsible usage and planning for its potential discontinuation if required,” she stated.
The increasing reliance on simulated experiences
From robotic pets to immersive virtual reality environments, simulative technologies have surged in long-term aged care settings. These technologies might be employed by staff to address workforce shortages or the daily challenges of managing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Evidence indicates that these tools can reduce agitation, elevate mood, and encourage social interaction. However, the rapid adoption has outpaced the establishment of clear guidelines, resulting in inconsistent practices across facilities and even among individual staff members.
UQ researcher Divya Anantharaman stated that resident responses to these tools can vary significantly.
“Some individuals living with dementia enjoy engaging with a robotic pet, while others may find them childish or patronizing,” she noted.
“Similarly, a virtual reality hiking experience may delight someone who enjoys the outdoors, but it could evoke negative memories and distress another individual.”
Autonomy and Human Care
While discussions often revolve around whether robotic pets mislead residents, the research team claims that the ethical landscape is considerably more complicated.
The initial findings of the study reveal concerns about privacy, autonomy, the danger of replacing human care, and the chance that simulated experiences could unintentionally cause harm or intensify loneliness.
Disagreements have also surfaced when a resident’s understanding of the tools differs from that of their family and friends.
“Family members may feel uncomfortable observing a loved one with a robotic pet, even if it brings them joy,” Mrs. Anantharaman stated.
“Staff frequently need to navigate these varying opinions and desires.”
Phase One of the project utilizes detailed interviews and focus groups with individuals living with dementia, family caregivers, aged care staff, and managers.
To ensure that individuals with dementia can engage meaningfully, the researchers are adopting visual and accessible communication methods rather than depending solely on traditional verbal interviews.
Phase Two will unite these stakeholders with ethics experts and decision-makers in a consensus-building process. Participants will assess the ethical issues identified in Phase One, propose strategies to address dilemmas, and prioritize the most practical and respectful approaches.
Given that the number of individuals living with dementia is expected to triple worldwide by 2050, researchers assert that the need for ethically grounded guidance is pressing.
The final aim is to produce a resource guide that combines lived experiences with expert knowledge to aid aged care workers, managers, and policymakers in making informed decisions about when and how to utilize simulative technologies, how to secure meaningful consent, and how to balance technology with human care.