Behavioural Acceptability of PARO in Paediatric Dentistry : a Descriptive Observational Study

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice62 enrolled

Overview

Socially assistive robots are increasingly being studied as tools to support children during healthcare procedures. This observational study aimed to assess the behavioural acceptability of the PARO therapeutic zoomorphic robot, designed in the form of a baby seal, during dental treatment in children aged 4 to 15 years with cooperation difficulties following unsuccessful conventional behavioural management. Behavioural acceptability was assessed by measuring the proportion of the dental treatment session during which the child voluntarily maintained physical contact with PARO. High behavioural acceptability was defined as voluntary physical contact maintained for at least 75% of the treatment time. The study also assessed changes in the children's behaviour during the dental appointment, their spontaneous reactions to PARO, and the perceptions of the children, their carers and the dental practitioners."

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Dental Anxiety

Interventions

PARO socially assistive therapeutic robotDEVICE

PARO is a socially assistive zoomorphic therapeutic robot designed in the form of a baby seal. It was introduced to the child before dental treatment. After a familiarisation period, the child was free to interact with PARO and to keep or remove the robot during the treatment session. Dental treatment was provided according to usual clinical needs.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Behavioural acceptability of PARO based on voluntary physical contact

Behavioural acceptability was measured as the percentage of dental treatment time during which the child voluntarily maintained physical contact with PARO. Values ranged from 0% to 100%, with higher percentages indicating greater behavioural acceptability. High behavioural acceptability was predefined as voluntary physical contact maintained for at least 75% of the treatment time.

Time frame: During the dental treatment session at inclusion, from the start to the end of dental treatment.

Secondary Outcomes

Clinical behaviour assessed using the Venham scale modified by Veerkamp

The child's clinical behaviour, including observable manifestations of anxiety and cooperation, was assessed by the dental practitioner using the Venham scale modified by Veerkamp, ranging from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety and poorer cooperation.

Time frame: At four time points during the dental treatment session: before PARO introduction, immediately after PARO introduction, throughout dental treatment, and at the end of the session.

Perceptions of PARO by children

Children's perception of PARO was assessed at the end of the dental visit using one item from a study-specific structured questionnaire, rated on a six-point pictorial facial scale. The first face corresponded to the most favourable perception and the last face to the least favourable perception of PARO.

Time frame: At the end of the dental visit.

Perceptions of PARO by carers

Carers' overall perception of PARO was assessed at the end of the dental visit using one item from a study-specific structured questionnaire. Responses were recorded using five categories: positive, rather positive, rather negative, negative, or no opinion. Positive and rather positive responses were considered favourable perceptions.

Time frame: At the inclusion

Perceptions of PARO by dental practitioners

Dental practitioners' overall perception of PARO's impact on the child was assessed at the end of the dental visit using one item from a study-specific structured questionnaire. Responses were recorded using five categories: positive, rather positive, rather negative, negative, or no opinion. Positive and rather positive responses were considered favourable perceptions.