Date of Graduation
Fall 12-13-2024
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Program
MSN project
First Advisor
Emira Romero
Abstract
Objective The usage of social robots in pediatrics is an emerging field of study. Preliminary research shows that they are effective at improving the psychosocial well-being of pediatric patients. This quality improvement project focuses on Pupper, a newly developed quadruped social robot dog, and its ability in improving mood and happiness in pediatric patients of a cardiac step-down unit. Aim The aim of this project is to increase average mood scores of pediatric cardiac patients aged 3-25 years by 50% from their baseline of 3.75 to 5.63 on a six-point scale within a one-month time frame. Methods Before intervention and after intervention surveys will be given to patients to record overall mood and emotions. During intervention, patients will have the opportunity to interact with Pupper and its various capabilities. Results Overall, patients reported increased positive moods, decreased negative moods, and an average mood score of 4.67, a 24% increase from baseline. Conclusions Pupper was shown to be highly accepted and has the potential to be an effective tool in increasing the happiness of pediatric patients. However, further research must be done with a larger sample size and broader range of participants.
Recommended Citation
Wu, Angela Feng, "Utilizing Pupper, a Social Robot Dog, to Increase Happiness and Improve Mood in Pediatric Patients of a Cardiac Step-down Unit" (2024). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1837.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1837
Included in
Animal-Assisted Therapy Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Pediatric Nursing Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Recreational Therapy Commons, Robotics Commons
