Design Science Applied to the Virtual Support Method of the Nurse to Promote Mental Health for the Elderly and Their Caregivers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present post-doctoral results, using the artificial intelligence, avatar robot "Vilma", as a tool for interaction between the elderly and their caregivers, with the intention to promoting quality of life. Action research, developed at the Health Care Center of the Elderly and its Caregivers (CASIC/UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil. Approval of the Ethics and Research Committee of EEAN/UFRJ (Plataforma Brasil) -under the number: 36876114.6.0000.5238. Participants: 28 caregivers, both formal and informal. Developed application by the design science method, suitable to the science of computing and health, for being compatible with activities related to support mental health and quality of life of the elderly, as a continuous operational support to the nurse, of a spiritual biopsychosocial nature. Use of the continuous operational support application as a tool to prevent depression, and the impacts of this pathology on quality of life. It was concluded that the research product tool was considered relevant by the participants for the teaching-learning process, in the search for mental health, self-realization, self-esteem and quality of life.