Methods: Approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Boards of both the medical center and the university. The study was conducted in a metropolitan teaching hospital, serving an ethnically diverse and underserved population. Inclusion criteria included being over age 65, having the ability to communicate in English, and able to give consent or have someone who can give consent. Participants on the two intervention units received the tablet based avatar for their entire hospital stay and a daily visit from an undergraduate or graduate nursing student. Participants on the control unit received a daily visit from a nursing student only. The avatar speaks to the client, displays a full range of emotions and responds directly to client questions and touch. The avatar is also able to play music and display photographs. Participants on the control unit received a daily visit from a nursing student only. Measures (MOCA, 3 Item UCLA loneliness scale, GDS, and CAM) were administered upon study enrollment and prior to discharge. A total of 100 older adults hospitalized on three medical surgical units were enrolled, 50 who received the intervention and 50 controls. All patients were over the age of 65 (mean 80, range 65-96), English speaking, and admitted for a medical diagnosis.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in delirium (p<0.001) loneliness (p<0.001), and falls (p<0.001) between the intervention and control units. There were no significant differences in cognition, depression, or restraint use between the intervention and control units. Qualitative data demonstrated high patient, family, and nursing staff satisfaction with the avatar.
Conclusion: Study findings support the use of this innovative technology to enhance outcomes for hospitalized older adults.