Best practice guidelines when prescribing assistive technology

Despite the important role which assistive technology can play in facilitating a safe discharge to home after hospitalisation, reported abandonment rates indicate a need for therapists to understand the complexities associated with the acceptance of technology by clients. Recent literature has underscored the need to understand the interaction between the client, the technology, the activity and the context in which the activity is to be undertaken. This three-phase study using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, aimed to identify factors associated with the post-discharge use of self-care items. Focus groups were conducted in order to identify therapists' perceptions of technology abandonment. To establish the current utilisation rate a clinical audit was undertaken. The last phase involved interviewing clients about their perceptions of their illness, features of the technology, opinions about intended use and the perceived usefulness of the item. Findings from this study form the basis for the recommended best practice guidelines and include client-focused intervention, comprehensive evaluation, training which can be recalled, follow-up and outcome measurement. Recommendations were also made to use the Milieu-Person-Technology (MPT) model (Scherer, 1998) to guide the prescription process and ensure a successful match between client and technology.

Reference:

Scherer, M.J. (1998). The Scherer Milieu-Person-Technology Model: Matching people with technologies. Webster, NY:Author.

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