Perceptions of staff and leadership teams on implementation of telepresence robots in long‐term care: a qualitative descriptive study

COVID‐19’s physical distancing mandates have increased the likelihood of experiencing social isolation and loneliness for residents in long‐term care (LTC), especially those living with dementia. Social isolation correlates with health risks, including depression and cognitive decline. Telepresence robots can be remotely driven and facilitate social interactions through videoconferencing. Researchers have begun to explore opportunities of using these robots in the healthcare field; however, there is a research gap on examining factors influencing their implementation in LTC from the perspectives of key stakeholders. This qualitative descriptive study focuses on exploring LTC staff and leadership teams’ perspectives on facilitators and barriers to implementing telepresence robots.