Assistive Technology最新文献

Incontinence is a global health and social care challenge. Effectively containing bladder or bowel leakage is fundamental for people living with incontinence. Disposable absorbent products are widely used, but do not work well for everyone and are neither financially nor environmentally sustainable. Specifically designed washable absorbent products are not widely used. We aimed to understand people's experiences of using or providing washable products in different contexts. We undertook 57 interviews with product-users and/or carers and three focus groups with service providers in India, Papua New Guinea and Romania. Five themes were identified: 1) Usability variation, 2) Impact on lives, 3) Do no harm, 4) Future Use and 5) Scalability. We found that washable products have the potential to improve the lives of many people with long-term continence problems, but the designs tested do not work for everyone. Individual assessment and the opportunity to try out products are important. There is considerable scope for better designs and raising awareness of usage. Opinions on the products are partly shaped by the products used previously and individual financial considerations play a role. Overall, there is a clear demand for washable absorbent continence products, and innovation through co-design is urgently needed.

For individuals with disabilities, failure to use prescribed assistive technology devices (ATDs) according to professional recommendations can have detrimental health consequences. The literature has employed various terms to describe this phenomenon such as nonuse, abandonment, and non-adherence to characterize this behavior, lacking clear and standardized definitions. Consistent use of a standardized language is critical for advancing research in this area. This study aims to identify and describe the concepts related to the failure to use prescribed ATDs, along with the associated contexts, and proposes a framework for standardizing terminology in this domain. A narrative literature review encompassing studies from inception to June 2023 was conducted to elucidate these concepts. Out of 1029 initially identified articles, 27 were retained for in-depth analysis. The review unveiled a significant inconsistency in the use of terms like nonuse, abandonment, noncompliance, and non-adherence. Some articles even employed these terms interchangeably without clear definitions. Only 10 of the 27 reviewed articles provided definitions for the terminology they used. This highlights the crucial need for adopting valid conceptual models to select appropriate terms. Researchers are strongly encouraged to furnish operational definitions aligned with theoretical models and relevant to their research context to advance this field consistently.

Age-related changes can impact cognitive and physical health, reducing quality of life and independence. While technologies are increasingly used in healthcare to support older adults, their application highly depends on cultural factors. Italy, with one of Europe's highest aging populations and low digital advancement, offers an interesting scenario for discussing the digitalization of healthcare services for older adults. This study provides a state-of-the-art overview of technologies used in Italy to promote healthy aging. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for primary studies published from 2000 to May 2024 that employed technological solutions for healthcare in healthy Italian older adults. Fifteen studies met the criteria: four assessed the impact of technological interventions on health variables like physical efficiency, nutrition, and cognition, with positive results; 13 examined usability, user experience, and expectations, overall finding good acceptance and positive attitudes. While research on technology use in promoting healthy aging in Italy is still limited, our findings suggest that digital solutions are feasible for the older population. These results are considered within the context of the Italian healthcare system, with suggestions for future directions for clinicians.

The objective of this population-based study was to assess the use, sources, payers, barriers, need, and unmet need of assistive products (AP) in the population of Iraq using the Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) survey. The survey included a representative national sample from six governorates, including 36 cities/districts that cover all the country. In total 12,021 respondents' data were included in the data analysis. A total, of 16.4% of the sample reported use of AP, and 22.8% reported being in need of AP. Children and adolescents (≤17 years), seniors (≥80 years), and people living in rural areas had lower access to APs. The main sources of funding were out-of-pocket (57.6%), followed by friends and family (31.2%), government (10.1%), and NGOs (4.8%). Furthermore, 58%, 27.3% and 12.2% APs were obtained from the private sector, friends and family, and the government, respectively. The main barriers facing people in need to get APs were inability to afford (43.6%), no support (22.3%), unavailability of APs (11.5%), stigma (4.6%), and no time available (3.5%). It is the government's responsibility to provide AP, in addition to suitable environments (sidewalks, transportation, and public buildings) that are friendly to people with wheelchairs and crutches.

A three-level training intervention was developed using the Quality Implementation Framework (QIF) to increase technology transfer of rehabilitation technologies to market. Thirty-two teams completed Level 1, 14 completed Level 2, and 6 completed Level 3. The validated Technology Transfer Readiness Assessment Tool (TTRAT) measured teams' technology transfer progress and the effectiveness of the training program. Teams that completed at least two training levels demonstrated increased technology transfer readiness. Additional team outcomes include receiving other federal awards, FDA designations, and generating sales. Future work includes measuring teams' progress relative to participant demographics and developing additional training content based on gaps in technology transfer readiness. The multi-level training initiative shows it is a promising foundation for training researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs on technology transfer and subsequent technology transfer outcomes.

This study examined the effects of early powered mobility training using modified ride-on toy cars in young children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type I (SMA I). A randomized, waitlist-controlled, single-blinded trial was conducted in Spain with 16 children aged 10 months to 5 years. The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of powered mobility training in natural environments, followed by 4 weeks of follow-up. Primary outcomes included participation (YC-PEM), functional ability (PEDI-CAT), and quality of life (PedsQL-NM), assessed at five time points. Parental stress (PSI-SF) was a secondary outcome. Children in the experimental group demonstrated clinically meaningful gains in Daily Activities and Mobility from week 4 onward (z = 0.41-0.72; g = 0.29-0.53), while Social/Cognitive improvements exceeded SEMm by weeks 8-16. Quality of life showed significant differences at week 4 (p = 0.03; g = 0.93), though below the SEMm threshold. Modest increases were observed in home participation, while Desired Change remained stable. Parental stress reductions reached statistical significance at weeks 4, 8, and 16 (p < 0.05), though within SEM_m margins. Findings support early powered mobility as an assistive technology that enhances functional independence in SMA I. Complementary psychosocial and environmental supports may maximize broader participation and quality-of-life outcomes.

This study aims to understand and explore the barriers to assistive technology for individuals with mobility disabilities. A survey was carried out among 300 people from both rural and urban areas of northern India with mobility disabilities, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Phase I developed a valid tool to measure barriers, while Phase II applied the tool in a survey. Results showed affordability (0.42 ± 0.32), awareness (0.46 ± 0.48), and accessibility (0.57 ± 0.44) as the most common barriers. The findings may assist product designers and rehabilitation specialists in improving accessibility, affordability, and availability.

NeoFly^™ is a customizable, compact, ergonomic manual wheelchair. This indigenously designed, personalized wheelchair was devised to enhance the user's health and lifestyle. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of NeoFly^™ on users' daily routines. All participants (N = 43, 20-males, 23-females), selected through convenience sampling, had spinal cord injuries and were remotely screened for inclusion-exclusion criteria by an occupational therapist. Eighteen customizations ensured an appropriate fit for users. During the 6-month study period, the participants used NeoFly^™ in their daily routines. To assess the impact of NeoFly^™ on users' health and lifestyle, participants' feedback was captured using a questionnaire related to productivity, community participation, leisure, accessibility, mobility, functionality, body functions, self-care, portability, and device feedback. Around 88% of users were satisfied with their sitting posture and could easily perform pressure relief maneuvers. Nearly 91% of users felt that maintaining a good sitting balance and bladder voiding were easy tasks and found environmental controls and doorways accessible. Around 86% of users felt ease in overhead reach. About 77% and 88% of users felt independent in performing ADLs and in terms of educational/vocational mobility, respectively. Overall, user responses indicate a positive impact of NeoFly^™ on the users' health and lifestyle.

Persons with vision impairments (PwVI) may have difficulties navigating through indoor environments, and the barriers and their solution strategies differ based on their level of familiarity with the location. The majority of PwVI are older individuals, and there are associated physical, mental, and health changes that make it a significant public health issue. We conducted a needs assessment study to understand current navigation techniques in familiar, somewhat familiar, and unfamiliar private indoor environments for older PwVI. We used a semi-structured interview approach to explore their experiences and their overall perceptions about the potential of an assistive robot to support wayfinding. We identified their specific needs, barriers encountered when navigating these environments, solutions for wayfinding, use of assistive technologies, and their overall thoughts about desirable technologies to improve wayfinding, specifically robots. Our data highlighted common strategies that could support their use of a wayfinding robot as well as other technologies used (i.e. white canes). We share insights into designing robotic solutions that would provide better assistance to older PwVI.