AUTHOR=Beran Tanya N. , Pearson Jacqueline Reynolds , Lashewicz Bonnie 

TITLE=Implementation of a Humanoid Robot as an Innovative Approach to Child Life Interventions in a Children’s Hospital: Lofty Goal or Tangible Reality?

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.639394

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2021.639394

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Introduction: This study reports the findings on how Child Life Specialists (CLSs) implemented an innovative approach to providing therapeutic support to pediatric patients. 
Methods: Part of a larger study that uncovered themes about CLSs experiences while working with MEDi®, this study reports the reflections that CLSs have about the process of implementation. Seven CLSs participated in semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was conducted on the responses, and three themes were generated. 
Results: The first was in regards to the adoption process whereby their challenges, successes, and surprises were revealed. Second, they explained how using MEDi® aligned with the roles and responsibilities of their profession. The third area of understanding was in their explanation of the friendly emotional impact MEDi® seems to have on the hospital environment. 
Conclusion: CLSs are encouraged to use the MEDi® robot to support children at the bedside.