Evaluating the effects of a telepresence robot on the experience of hospitalised patients in long-term protective isolation: a qualitative study

Objectives Feelings of loneliness and confinement arising from long-term protective isolation can lead to psychological distress in patients. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of remaining connected with the outside world and with one’s family. Telepresence robots are mobile communication devices that could restore this connection through remote video and audio communication. This qualitative study aimed to explore whether and how using a telepresence robot alleviated the feeling of isolation among patients in long-term protective isolation and improved their overall experience of hospitalisation and treatment. Methods The study was conducted in three French haematology oncology wards. We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 30 adult patients hospitalised in protective isolation who benefited from a telepresence robot system and with their carers. The interviews were analysed using grounded theory-based thematic analysis. Results All the participants were satisfied with the device and reported benefits from the telepresence robot: offering users greater autonomy, enabling them to take part in everyday family life, and longer interactions with family members, helping them to cope better with hospitalisation, particularly thanks to the feeling of being present with their loved ones. Conclusion These results showed that the telepresence robot can be considered a psychosocial support device that complements care provided by medical and nursing teams. Integrating telepresence robots into supportive care and management in haematology and oncology departments may improve patients’ experiences in long-term isolation. Trial registration number NCT04856332.