A study conducted by Yong Suk Lee, an associate professor at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, has linked the use of robots in nursing homes to increased employee retention, improved patient care, and higher productivity. The research, published in Labour Economics, offers a rare examination of robotic technology in long-term care settings, focusing on its impact on workers and patients. This study is particularly significant given the growing global challenges posed by aging populations.
The research analyzed data from surveys conducted in Japanese nursing homes in 2020 and 2022. Japan’s super-aging society, characterized by a declining workforce and an increasing number of elderly citizens, was identified as a critical setting to study the potential future of elder care worldwide. The study’s findings are highly relevant to other nations, including the United States, where the population of individuals aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 57 million in 2022 to 88.5 million by 2050.
The study categorized robotic technologies into three main types: transfer robots, which assist in lifting and moving patients; mobility robots, used by patients for movement and bathing; and monitoring and communication robots, which use computer vision and sensors to share patient data with caregivers.
Lee’s research revealed that robotic adoption correlated with lower employee quit rates, addressing the high turnover that plagues the long-term care industry. Many care workers face physical strain, such as knee and back pain, along with low pay, making retention a persistent challenge. The introduction of robots appeared to alleviate some of the physical burdens, enabling workers to stay longer in their roles. Additionally, the study found an increase in demand for part-time and less experienced workers, with a corresponding decline in demand for more experienced staff.
For patients, robot-equipped facilities reported improved outcomes, including a reduction in the use of physical restraints and fewer pressure ulcers, common issues among immobile residents. These improvements are attributed to better patient mobility and the ability of caregivers to focus on tasks requiring human skills such as empathy and dexterity.
The study also highlights broader implications for the long-term care industry and workforce management. According to Lee, robots can enhance productivity and allow caregivers to dedicate more time to personalized care, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents.
Lee collaborated on the study with researchers Toshiaki Iizuka from the University of Tokyo and Karen Eggleston from Stanford University. The research received funding from multiple institutions, including Stanford University, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and various Notre Dame research centers.
The findings contribute to Lee’s broader research on how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, influence the workforce and societal inequality. Lee emphasized that understanding the impact of these technologies is essential for addressing the challenges of aging populations and ensuring sustainable, high-quality elder care.
Photocredit: University of Notre Dame
