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About

Paula Lehto is a Finnish researcher whose work sits at the intersection of healthcare technology, gerontology, and nursing practice, with a particular focus on the integration of care robotics into home care settings. Her most influential contribution, "The Adoption of Care Robots in Home Care" (2018), has garnered 92 citations and remains a landmark study examining how registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and other health and social care personnel perceive and respond to robotic technology in their daily work. Building on this, her 2017 comparative study on personnel attitudes toward care robots added methodological depth to the field, accumulating 40 citations and reinforcing her standing as a leading voice in care robotics adoption research. Lehto's broader body of work addresses the pressing challenges of an ageing population in Europe, exploring how robotic solutions can alleviate loneliness, promote independence, and support the wellbeing of elderly individuals living at home. Her action research-based case studies demonstrate a commitment to practical, real-world application rather than purely theoretical inquiry. Notably, she has also examined the role of master's-level students in shaping the future of welfare services, reflecting an investment in competence-based education for healthcare innovation. Her research offers valuable guidance for policymakers, care providers, and educators navigating the evolving landscape of technology-assisted elder care.