Network Analysis of Assistive Technology Stakeholders in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma M Smith ◽  
Ikenna D. Ebuenyi ◽  
Juba A Kafumba ◽  
Monica Jamali-Phiri ◽  
Alister Munthali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Technology Policy ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Technology System ◽  
Stakeholder Network

Abstract Background Assistive technologies promote participation and quality of life for people with disabilities and other functional limitations. There is a global call to develop and implement policies to improve access to assistive technologies. In response, a stakeholder led initiative in Malawi is working towards the development of such a policy. The objective of this study was to assess the existing network of stakeholders, and the strength of relationship between organizations who deliver assistive products and related services. We conducted a survey-based network analysis of assistive technology stakeholder organizations in Malawi.Results Stakeholders (n = 19) reported a range of connections, from no awareness to collaboration with organizations within the assistive technology network. No single organization or government ministry was most central to the network. International NGOs were less central to the network than local organizations for disabled people, service providers, and ministries.Conclusions The assistive technology stakeholder network in Malawi is distributed, with a range of responsibility across a variety of stakeholders, including three government ministries. An effective assistive technology policy must engage all stakeholders and may benefit from a collective leadership approach that spans the inter-sectoral need for a cohesive assistive technology system.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Impact of Powered Wheelchair, Users’ Satisfaction and Their Relation to Social Participation

Technologies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Domingues ◽  
Pinheiro ◽  
Silveira ◽  
Francisco ◽  
Jutai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Wheelchair Users ◽  
Powered Wheelchair ◽  
Positive Effects

Several studies showed positive effects of assistive technologies on psychosocial impact and participation of adults with mobility impairments. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial and participation impact of powered wheelchairs. Participants were thirty persons with disabilities who use powered wheelchairs with diverse medical conditions. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale and the Activities and Participation Profile Related to Mobility were used, in addition to demographic, clinical and wheelchair related questions. The participants were satisfied with both the assistive technology and related services, with the lowest satisfaction scores belonging to those who had been using their wheelchairs for a longer period of time. We noticed significant restrictions in participation mostly among persons with longer wheelchair utilization. The most satisfied were the ones with better performance in terms of social participation. Psychosocial scores showed a positive impact with higher adaptability among persons who transitioned from a manual compared to those who already had a powered wheelchair. There was a positive psychosocial impact and therefore an increase in quality of life of its users.

scholarly journals Role of Financial Incentives in Family Planning Services in India: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamlesh Lalchandani ◽  
Aditi Gupta ◽  
Ashish Srivast ◽  
Gulnoza Usmanova ◽  
Ashwarya Maadam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
State Level ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Related Services ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background: In an effort to encourage Family Planning (FP) adoption, since 1952, the Government of India has been implementing various centrally sponsored schemes that offer financial incentives (FIs) to acceptors as well as service providers, for services related to certain FP methods. However, understanding of the role of FIs on uptake of FP services, and the quality of FP services provided, is limited and mixed. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Chatra and Palamu districts of Jharkhand state. A total of 64 interviews involving multiple stakeholders were conducted. The stakeholders included recent FP acceptors or clients, FP service providers of public health facilities including community health activists (ASHAs), government health officials managing FP programs at the district and state level, and members of development partners supporting FP programs in Jharkhand. Data analysis included both inductive and deductive strategies. It was done using the software Atlas ti version 8. Results: It emerged that there is a strong felt need for family planning among majority clients, and FIs may be a motivator for uptake of FP methods only among those belonging to the lower socio economic strata. For ASHAs, FI is the primary motivator for providing FP related services. There may be a tendency among them and nurses to promote methods which have more financial incentives linked with them. There are mixed opinions on discontinuing FIs for clients or replacing them with non-financial incentives. Delays in payment of FIs to both clients and the ASHAs is a common issue and adversely effects the program.Conclusion: FIs for clients have limited influence on their decision to take up a FP method while different amounts of FIs for ASHAs and nurses, linked with different FP methods, may be influencing their service provision. More research is needed to determine the effect of discontinuing FP related FIs for clients.

scholarly journals THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND AGING IN PLACE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S330-S330
Author(s):  
George Mois ◽  
Tiffany R Washington ◽  
Jenay M Beer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Self Confidence

Abstract Many of the challenges that often accompany longevity can affect older adults’ quality of life (QOL). Adoption of an assistive technology ecosystem presents the potential to alleviate these challenges and improve QOL. An assistive technology ecosystem refers to the use of multiple assistive technologies to address a set of challenges affecting single or multiple characteristics of older adults’ QOL. However, little is known how technology can influence characteristics of older adult’s QOL. The purpose of this study was to investigate how using technology can improve older adults QOL. Data from the 2016 wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) were analyzed using four logistic regression models. The sample included are older adults age 65+ (N=5,488). The dependent variables used in this study were QOL indicators such as self-confidence, continue improving life, likes living arrangement, and self-determination. The variables used to measure technology included computer, cell phone, tablet, and internet use. Older adults who used the internet had significantly higher odds of reporting self-determination (OR=1.68), like living arrangement (OR= 1.97) and continue improving life. Tablet users had significantly higher odds of continuing to improve their life (OR= 1.249) and increased self-determination (OR= 1.174). Cellphone users had significantly higher odds of having self-confidence (OR= 2.814). These findings support the need for a network of resources accessed through an ecosystem of technologies to address the challenges encountered by older adults aging in place. This study’s findings can inform technology education programs, interventions, and assist with the development of support networks.

scholarly journals Role of financial incentives in family planning services in India: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamlesh Lalchandani ◽  
Aditi Gupta ◽  
Ashish Srivastava ◽  
Gulnoza Usmanova ◽  
Ashwarya Maadam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
State Level ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background In an effort to encourage Family Planning (FP) adoption, since 1952, the Government of India has been implementing various centrally sponsored schemes that offer financial incentives (FIs) to acceptors as well as service providers, for services related to certain FP methods. However, understanding of the role of FIs on uptake of FP services, and the quality of FP services provided, is limited and mixed. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Chatra and Palamu districts of Jharkhand state. A total of 64 interviews involving multiple stakeholders were conducted. The stakeholders included recent FP acceptors or clients, FP service providers of public health facilities including Accredited Social Healthcare Activists (ASHAs), government health officials managing FP programs at the district and state level, and members of development partners supporting FP programs in Jharkhand. Data analysis included both inductive and deductive strategies. It was done using the software Atlas ti version 8. Results It has emerged that there is a strong felt need for FP among majority of the clients, and FIs may be a motivator for uptake of FP methods only among those belonging to the lower socio economic strata. For ASHAs, FI is the primary motivator for providing FP related services. There may be a tendency among them and the nurses to promote methods which have more financial incentives linked with them. There are mixed opinions on discontinuing FIs for clients or replacing them with non-financial incentives. Delays in payment of FIs to both clients and the ASHAs is a common issue and adversely effects the program. Conclusion FIs for clients have limited influence on their decision to take up a FP method while different amounts of FIs for ASHAs and nurses, linked with different FP methods, may be influencing their service provision. More research is needed to determine the effect of discontinuing FI for FP services.

Assistive Technology for Promoting the Independence and the Quality of Life in Persons With Alzheimer's Disease

2022 ◽  
pp. 173-195
Author(s):  
Donatella Ciarmoli
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Memory Impairments ◽  
Physical Burden ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Challenging Behaviours

Persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may present a loss of cognitive functioning, memory impairments, communication difficulties, obstacles to perform daily activities, disorientation, and challenging behaviours. Currently, there is no cure for AD. However, there are valid treatments to alleviate AD-related symptoms and to reduce the burden on carers; for example, the effectiveness of the use of assistive technology (AT) has been seen. The aim was to provide, in this chapter, an overview of the newest empirical evidences available on the use of AT-based programs to improve the independence and the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. A selective literature review was carried out considering Alzheimer's, assistive technologies, dementia, quality of life, and caregivers. Empirical data demonstrated the effectiveness and the suitability of the AT interventions allowing participants to improve their quality of life, as well as to mitigate the mental and physical burden of their caregivers.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Instruments for the Selection of Assistive Technologies

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso ◽  
Cláudia Regina Cabral Galvão ◽  
Luiz Bueno da Silva ◽  
Selma Lancman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Transcultural Adaptation ◽  
Selection Of

This article presents a systematic review, for which research was carried out in the following electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ERIC, in which several articles were found (n=560). The results were analyzed based on the information obtained in the titles and abstracts, and the remaining studies were read in full for the analysis. The aim of this article was to identify the different questionnaires used for selecting items of assistive technology, describe and evaluate the translation and transcultural adaptation procedures, characterize the thematic domains of each resource, evaluate the cultural adaptation process adopted, and describe the psychometric properties. Data extraction and evaluation of the methodological quality of the eligible studies were performed in accordance with the COSMIN verification list with a checklist of 4 points. The publication of systematic review studies and others that synthesize research results is fundamental to provide support for change in the behavior of professionals in the field of health, and not only to access the available literature but also to incorporate this information into daily clinical practice. The results of this review could provide subsidies that would enable the planning, execution, identification, and choice of specific instruments for a determined study within the context of assistive technology, with a view to helping researchers and health professionals in clinical and investigatory practices.

scholarly journals Satisfaction of Individuals with Physical Disabilities Regarding the Use of Assistive Technologies

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 454-465
Author(s):  
Daiane De Cesaro ◽  
Mateus Francisco Vanesio ◽  
Fabiola Hermes Chesani ◽  
Carina Nunes Bossardi
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Physical Disabilities ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Specialized Center ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Improve Health

Background: The individual's personality and social factors influence a person's desire or ability to use assistive technology devices. Therefore, these components contribute to a positive or negative influence on the use of assistive technology and on the degree of satisfaction with the use.Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate levels of satisfaction of individuals with physical disabilities with their prescribed piece of assistive technology. Methods: A quantitative questionnaire survey using The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0. Data collect took place from August 2018 to April 2019, in the Physiotherapy Clinic of a Community University, in the Specialized Center for Physical and Intellectual Rehabilitation II and in the support networks for individuals with disabilities, such as: Roda Solta, Association for Supporting Families of Impaired People, Association of Disabled People and athletes of the women's Paralympic Handball Championship. Results: Fifty-six individuals with physical disabilities between 20 and 80 years old participated in the research, 27 women (48.2%) and 29 men (51.8%).The results suggested  that individuals are quite satisfied with their piece of assistive technology M=3.56(SD=1.09) and more or less satisfied with the professional services provided M=3.28 (SD=1.34). Among the 12 items considered most important by the participants, durability of the resource (54%) prevailed, followed by comfort (28%) and safety (24%).Conclusions: The dissatisfaction of individuals with physical disabilities was evident both in issues related to the resource and in the area related to the professional services, in relation to the resources. It needs to be adapted to the user’s needs, always aiming to improve health condition and quality of life.

Development of assistive technology and its function for people with disability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukáš Siegel
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Close Connection ◽  
Diffi Cult

People with disabilities face various forms of barriers in society. Even daily activities are diffi cult to handle. Multiple varieties of assistive tools are being created to overcome these daily barriers. We count among these wheelchairs or exoskeletons, but there are other forms of assistive technology (designed for a particular type of disability) that help people with their disabilities. Th e aim of the thesis is to analyze the progress of the assistive technology that helps with disabilities and its role in modern society. Our primary source will be a book Disability, Society and Assistive Technology (2017) by Bodil Ravneberg and Sylvia Söderström. In their work, they show a close connection between assistive technologies and the quality of life of a person with a disability.

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