Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on usefulness, acceptability and implementation conditions of socially assistive robots in France: a cross-sectional survey and cluster analysis - Report - MDSpire

Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on usefulness, acceptability and implementation conditions of socially assistive robots in France: a cross-sectional survey and cluster analysis

  • By

  • Lauriane Blavette

  • Sébastien Dacunha

  • Anastasiia Bondarenko

  • Matthieu Piccoli

  • Anne-Sophie Rigaud

  • Maribel Pino

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Perspectives of Healthcare Providers on Socially Assistive Robots in France

Overview

This cross-sectional survey explores healthcare professionals' perceptions of socially assistive robots (SARs) in France, revealing generally high perceived usefulness but selective acceptability. The findings indicate that attitudes towards SARs are influenced by context, perceived usefulness, and prior knowledge rather than demographic factors.

Background

The integration of socially assistive robots in healthcare is increasingly relevant due to workforce shortages and the rising demand for care. Understanding healthcare professionals' perceptions is crucial for the successful implementation of these technologies, which can enhance care delivery and address operational challenges. Ethical and organizational considerations also play a significant role in the acceptance of SARs in clinical settings.

Data Highlights

CharacteristicPercentage
Prior knowledge of robots77%
High perceived usefulness for physical tasksNot specified
High perceived usefulness for recreational supportNot specified
Lower ratings for therapeutic mediation and feedingNot specified
Importance of ethical, organizational, and regulatory factorsVery important

Key Findings

  • 148 healthcare professionals participated in the survey.
  • 77% reported prior knowledge of socially assistive robots.
  • Perceived usefulness was high for physical tasks and recreational support.
  • Acceptability was higher for general use than for personal clinical practice.
  • Cluster analysis identified three attitudinal profiles: low, moderate, and high acceptability.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals generally favor the use of socially assistive robots for logistical and organizational support. However, their acceptance is conditional and varies based on the context and perceived usefulness of the robots.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for tailored implementation strategies that address ethical and organizational factors to enhance the acceptance of socially assistive robots in healthcare settings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. npj Digital Medicine, 2026 -- A randomized pilot study evaluating socially assistive robot effects on patient engagement and care quality
  2. Insights from German Surgeons on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Decision-Making, 2026
  3. Surgical Endoscopy, 2026 -- Comparative Analysis of Surgeons' Views on Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgical Techniques
  4. Haute Autorité de Santé, 2026 -- Robots « sociaux » : la HAS a analysé les conditions d’un déploiement utile, éthique et maîtrisé
  5. Clinical Rheumatology — Investigation of National-Specific Challenges and Supportive Factors for Adopting Physical Activity Based on EULAR Guidelines in Individuals with Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Disorders Across Four European Nations: The COPA Initiative
  6. Haute Autorité de Santé - Robots « sociaux » : la HAS a analysé les conditions d’un déploiement utile, éthique et maîtrisé
  7. Effectiveness of AI-based conversational and socially assistive agents in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis | BMC Geriatrics | Springer Nature Link
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