Developing a cross-device platform for robotic systems in nursing care : mixed methods feasibility study

Background: Aging populations and rising chronic illness prevalences are increasing demands for nursing care, while staff shortages threaten care quality. Robotics offer potential support, yet usability, workflow integration, and user acceptance remain major barriers. Objective: This study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility, usability, and acceptance of a cross-device platform for controlling robotics in nursing using a participatory, user-centered approach. Methods: A convergent mixed methods feasibility study was conducted across 4 iterative workshops with 13 nurses from 2 German health care facilities. Quantitative measures included the System Usability Scale (SUS), Technology Usage Inventory (TUI), and Technology-based Experience of Need Satisfaction (TENS-Interface). Qualitative data were collected via think-aloud protocols and focus groups. Data integration supported iterative platform refinement and assessment of usability, acceptance, and satisfaction of psychological needs. Results: Participants exhibited high curiosity, perceived usefulness, and strong intention to use robotics, with low skepticism. SUS scores indicated acceptable usability. TENS-Interface scores showed increased autonomy and competence following workflow simplification and stepwise interaction logic. Qualitative findings emphasized intuitive control, personalized interventions, centralized management of multiple technologies, integration with documentation systems, and structured training. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data confirmed that iterative, user-centered refinements enhanced usability, acceptance, and platform effectiveness. Conclusions: Cross-device platforms integrating robotics can be successfully developed through participatory, user-centered methods. Technical usability, personalization, workflow integration, and structured training are key for adoption. The study demonstrates that technological barriers, rather than human resistance, are primary constraints to integrating robotics into nursing practice and can be mitigated through iterative co-creation aligned with real-world care contexts.