Robotic Dog Intervention on Emotional Well-Being and Quality of Life
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: AIBO.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Emotional Well-being, Quality of Life, Pediatric Oncology. Basic parameters: 8 years — 15 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effectiveness and Feasibility of a Robotic Dog Intervention on Emotional Well-Being and Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients With Hematological Malignancies Undergoing HSCT
Overview
The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) process imposes a substantial psychological burden, leading to impaired emotional well-being due to intensive treatment, isolation, and immunosuppression. Patients often experience social withdrawal, loneliness, and loss of control, which may result in persistent anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced quality of life (QoL) if unaddressed. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of an AI-powered robotic dog in improving emotional well-being and QoL in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT.
Detailed description
Pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) experience substantial psychological burden related to intensive treatment, protective isolation, prolonged hospitalization, and immunosuppression. Anxiety, emotional distress, loneliness, and reduced quality of life are common during the post-transplant inpatient period. However, infection control precautions and isolation procedures may limit access to traditional psychosocial support interventions in HSCT settings.
Technology-assisted interventions, particularly social robots, have emerged as promising approaches for supporting emotional well-being in pediatric healthcare environments. AI-powered robotic companion devices may provide interactive engagement, emotional comfort, and opportunities for play during prolonged hospitalization while remaining compatible with infection control requirements.
This pilot randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of an AI-powered robotic dog intervention in improving emotional well-being and quality of life in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT.
Interventions
- Other AIBO
AIBO is an AI-powered interactive robot dog that engages children through play and touch-based interactions, including responding to petting, interacting with a ball, and making simple gestures. Using visual, auditory, and tactile sensing, AIBO enables spontaneous, child-centered interactions, expressing emotions through eye color changes, tail movements, and vocalizations, while gradually developing more adaptive behaviors through repeated interactions (weight: \~2.2 kg; dimensions: 180 × 293 ×
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Positive and Negative Affect [Time frame: Baseline (Day 1, before intervention initiation) and weekly assessments during the intervention period at Weeks 2, 3, and 4.]
- Change in Emotional Well-being [Time frame: Baseline (Day 1, before intervention initiation) and weekly assessments during the intervention period at Weeks 2, 3, and 4.]
- Change in Health-Related Quality of Life [Time frame: Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention initiation) and Week 4 (post-intervention assessment after completion of the 4-week intervention period).]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Pediatric patients aged 8-15 years
- Diagnosed with a hematological malignancy and undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- Hospitalized in a protective isolation room during the post-transplant inpatient period
- Expected to remain hospitalized under isolation for approximately 30 days post-transplant
- Able to understand and respond to Turkish-language self-report questionnaires
- Clinically stable and deemed eligible for participation by the treating clinical team
- Able to interact with the robotic dog at a basic functional level
Exclusion criteria
- Severe cognitive impairment or neurodevelopmental conditions preventing meaningful interaction or self-report
- Acute neurological conditions, delirium, or severe psychiatric crisis (e.g., acute agitation, suicidal ideation)
- Requirement for intensive care, invasive ventilation, or a clinically unstable condition
- Severe visual, hearing, or motor impairments that prevent interaction with the robotic dog
- Additional infection control restrictions prevent the placement or use of the robotic dog in the isolation room
- Anticipated early discharge, transfer, or inability to complete follow-up assessments
- Severe fear, intolerance, or refusal to interact with robotic or electronic devices
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07607379 · KOCUNIVR