Co-Designing a Socially Assistive Robot Intervention for Diabetes Self-Management
Perspectives of Adults Living with Diabetes
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17812231 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Amani Al Bayrakdar (0000-0002-7303-870X, Edinburgh Napier University, corresponding author), Gosha Wojcik (0000-0003-3857-2090, Edinburgh Napier University), Mauro Dragone (0000-0001-9013-2100, Heriot-Watt University), Alistair C McConnell (0000-0003-3168-1323, Heriot-Watt University), Ruth Paterson (0000-0002-6069-3545, Edinburgh Napier University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Social Robotics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1875-4791 • E-ISSN: 1875-4805 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12369-026-01383-1 |
| OpenAlex | W7133616572 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 59 |
Over 537 million adults live with diabetes, yet many lack sufficient support for effective self-management, resulting in suboptimal glycaemic levels and rising healthcare costs. Socially assistive robots (SARs) may fill this gap through offering real-time, personalised support. This study explored adults’ views on the design, usability, and acceptability of a SAR-based intervention. A three-phase exploratory co-design approach, guided by the Medical Research Council framework, involved 16 adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes in Scotland. Phase 1 involved forming a working group and conducting a scoping review. Phase 2 included two online focus groups to identify challenges, technology use, and desired SAR features; and two in-person workshops at the UK National Robotarium to assess SAR’s usability, acceptability, and integration into daily life. Phase 3 involved thematic analysis, translating user requirements, and planning future feasibility. Participants identified barriers including dietary adherence, insulin adjustments, and limited access to clinicians. Technologies like glucose monitors and insulin pumps were seen as burdensome, highlighting the need for personalised, on-demand support. In conceptualising a SAR, participants recommended interactive coaching features, such as real-time medication guidance, meal planning, emergency alerts, and data-sharing. Priorities included a user-friendly, inclusive design, strong data privacy, and integration with existing devices and care pathways. SARs offer a feasible approach to personalised self-management, with user-driven features like tailored coaching, accessible design, and healthcare connectivity improving glycaemic levels and well-being. These findings inform prototyping and evaluation of a new SAR intervention for diabetes management
Coaching · Exploratory research · Focus group · Health care · Intervention (counseling) · Qualitative research · Telemedicine · Thematic analysis · Diabetes Management and Education · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Social Robot Interaction and HRI
User Centered System Design
Designing Sociable Robots
The Person-Based Approach to Intervention Development
Co-Design as a Process of Joint Inquiry and Imagination
Guidance on how to develop complex interventions to improve health and healthcare
Experience-based Co-design and Healthcare Improvement
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
A Mass-Produced Sociable Humanoid Robot
A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions
A Short Physical Performance Battery Assessing Lower Extremity Function
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq)
Acceptance of Healthcare Robots for the Older Population
Context-Enhanced Human-Robot Interaction
Anthropomorphism
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Naturalistic inquiry
Measurement Instruments for the Anthropomorphism, Animacy, Likeability, Perceived Intelligence, and Perceived Safety of Robots
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |