ORCID
- Hannah Bradwell: 0000-0002-9103-1069
- Ray Jones: 0000-0002-2963-3421
Abstract
Robots pets have reported potential in improving wellbeing for older adults and people with dementia, including through reducing depression, agitation, loneliness and medication use. Such devices are becoming widespread in care homes, and may be particularly beneficial at present, in light of increased loneliness and social isolation as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. However, we conducted work previously that suggested robot pets may transmit bacteria between care home residents, and we tested the efficacy of a cleaning procedure to aid in safe use of the devices. Here, in light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we reflect on the plausibility of viral transmission via the robots and report an urgent need for further research and immediate action in care homes to respond to the identified risk.
DOI
10.13140/RG.2.2.30353.45922
Publication Date
2020-08-27
Recommended Citation
Bradwell, H., Jones, R., & Soler-Lopez, M. (2020) 'Potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via robot pets in care homes', Available at: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.30353.45922
