The program has 2 main objectives : 1/ reduce young patients' relational isolation and loneliness and maintain close contact with their relatives/school/friends during long-term hospitalizations ; 2/ Facilitate the return to school and to the family, limit the psychological impacts on siblings. This is possible thanks to an easy-to-use robot being the avatar of the patient outside. The robot has become unavoidable in this period of pandemic and dramatically increased patient isolation.
Children and Teenagers fighting leukamia have a very long and difficult journey on their fight against this disease. They face involuntary relational isolation and loneliness, and it is very difficult to maintain close contact with their friends, family and school during long-term hospitalization. Mental health (patient, siblings...) can suffer from this situation. And when they recover, it is sometimes very difficult to go back to school and "normal" family life, as well as to make friends.
The AV2 Robot is a great adapted communication solution, designed directly with children and teenagers, according to their needs. It is the world's first telepresence robot developed specifically for young ones with long-term illness. It does not have a single dedicated use: it is suitable for use in the classroom but also at home, at work (for instance, adults with leukemia can stay in close touch with their kids), with friends, in the park, at a party, at a sporting activity, etc.
Project has been run as a test since end of 2018. Young ones and their parents express so well benefits of the program. Some words to share : "The robot works well and allows arthur to take lessons. The management of the robot with the school is perfect." Arthur's mother ; "Thanks to the Robot, Camille was able to follow her internship as if she was there!" Camille's mother ; "AV2 has completely transformed our child's life, from isolation and despair, to more life and smiles" Jeanne's mother.
