scholarly journals Over a Decade of Developing the Assistive Technology Field in the UK

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1,2) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
The Uk

scholarly journals Using rapid cycle tests of change to develop the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire: a cognitive interview study in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e042361
Author(s):  
Vimal Sriram ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Michele Peters
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Cognitive Interview ◽  
Electronic Version ◽  
Cognitive Interviews ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Paper Version ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Technology Experience ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Experience Questionnaire

We describe the use of rapid cycle tests of change to pretest and develop a Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire for a survey of informal carers of persons with dementia. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle is a commonly used improvement process in healthcare settings. We used this method for conducting rapid cycle tests of change through cognitive interviews to pretest the questionnaire. The items for the questionnaire were developed based on an earlier systematic review and qualitative study. PDSA cycles were used incrementally with learning from each cycle used to inform subsequent changes to the questionnaire prior to testing on the next participant.DesignQualitative with use of cognitive interviews through rapid cycle tests of change.SettingUK.ResultsNine participants were recruited based on eligibility criteria and purposive sampling. Cognitive interviewing using think aloud and concurrent verbal probing was used to test the comprehension, recall, decision and response choice of participants to the questionnaire. Seven PDSA cycles involving the participants helped identify problems with the questionnaire items, instructions, layout and grouping of items. Participants used a laptop, smartphone and/or tablet computer for testing the electronic version of the questionnaire and one participant also tested the paper version. A cumulative process of presenting items in the questionnaire, anticipating problems with specific items and learning from the unanticipated responses from participants through rapid cycle tests of change allowed rich learning and reflection to progressively improve the questionnaire.ConclusionUsing rapid cycle tests of change in the pretesting questionnaire phase of research provided a structure for conducting cognitive interviews. Learning and reflections from the rapid testing and revisions made to the questionnaire helped improve the process of reaching the final version of the questionnaire, that the authors were confident would measure what was intended, rapidly and with less respondent burden.

scholarly journals Carers’ experience of using assistive technology for dementia care at home: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e034460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Sriram ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Michele Peters
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
At Home

ObjectiveAssistive technology (AT) can help carers (family, friends and neighbours) and people with dementia to stay well and safely at home. There are important gaps in what we know about experience of using AT from the perspective of carers of persons with dementia. This study investigates carers’ experience of using AT in supporting and caring for persons with dementia who live at home.DesignQualitative phenomenological study with semi-structured interviews to achieve data saturation and thematic analysis to identify key themes.SettingCommunity-based within the UK.ParticipantsTwenty-three (14 women, 9 men) adult carers of persons with dementia who have used at least one AT device.ResultsAll participants reported benefiting to varying degrees from using AT. There were 5 themes and 18 subthemes that highlighted reasons for using AT and use of AT over time. Providing care for a person with dementia, motivation for using AT, changes to roles and routines, carer knowledge and skills for using AT and social, environmental and ethical considerations were the main themes. This study showed that AT can provide reassurance and support for carers of persons with dementia but there are difficulties with acquiring and continued use of AT as dementia progresses.ConclusionsCarers consider AT as an adjunct to care they provided in caring for a person with dementia. Use of AT should be considered in the personal, social and environmental context of persons with dementia and their carers. Further research and policy interventions are needed to address best use of resources and guidance on data sharing and data protection while using AT.

scholarly journals Carers using assistive technology in dementia care: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Sriram ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Michele Peters
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Component Scores

AbstractINTRODUCTIONInformal carers support persons with dementia to live at home, even with deteriorating physical and cognitive issues. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study is to examine the experiences and impact of Assistive Technology (AT) on carers, providing care for a person with dementia.METHODSThe quantitative phase was a survey carried out with carers of persons with dementia in the UK, who used AT. The qualitative phase involved in-depth telephone interviews with a purposive sample of survey respondents. Data was analysed using hermeneutic phenomenology to develop, compare and explain the findings of the survey.RESULTSThe survey included data from 201 carers. Smartphones and tablet computers were the most frequently used AT. Multiple AT were used in the care of persons with dementia predominantly for safety, communication, and reminders. The Short Form-12 questions in the survey showed that carers in the 46-65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower mental component scores and carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower physical component scores. Twenty-three carers participated in the interviews, and 5 themes with 14 sub-themes were identified. The interviews helped confirm data from the survey on the impact of AT on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the carers. It helped describe reasons for satisfaction with AT; how AT was used in daily life and strengthened caring relationships; and how wider support systems enhanced the care of a person with dementia using AT.CONCLUSIONSThis study describes the use of AT in the real-world context. AT supplements the care provided to a person with dementia in the community. Appropriate use, access to AT and abilities of the carer can enhance the support provided through AT to both carers and the person with dementia.

Training-the-Trainer on Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC): Current Practices

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Ehlhardt Powell ◽  
Tracey Wallace ◽  
Michelle ranae Wild
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Train The Trainer ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
Remote Locations ◽  
Training Package ◽  
And Training

Research shows that if clinicians are to deliver effective, evidence-based assistive technology for cognition (ATC) services to clients with acquired brain injury (ABI), they first need opportunities to gain knowledge and experience with ATC assessment and training practices (O'Neil-Pirozzi, Kendrick, Goldstein, & Glenn, 2004). This article describes three examples of train the trainer materials and programs to address this need: (a) a toolkit for trainers to learn more about assessing and training ATC; (b) a comprehensive, trans-disciplinary program for training staff to provide ATC services in a metropolitan area; and (c) an overview of an on-site/online training package for rehabilitation professionals working with individuals with ABI in remote locations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document