Stina Meyer Larsen1,2, Rikke Falgreen Mortensen3, Hanne Kaae Kristensen1,2, Lise Hounsgaard2,4,5,6. 1. a Unit of Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Research , University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark. 2. b Health Sciences Research Centre , University College Lillebaelt , Odense , Denmark. 3. c Centre for Assistive Technology , Municipality of Odense , Odense , Denmark. 4. d Department of Clinical Research , University of Southern Denmark, Odense Patient Data Explorative Network , Odense , Denmark. 5. e Centre for Psychiatric Nursing and Health Research, Department of Regional Health Research , University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark. 6. f Department of Nursing and Health Science , University of Greenland , Nuuk , Greenland.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To identify, synthesize, and evaluate existing literature concerning the process of becoming a user of assistive technology (AT). METHOD: A systematic review and meta-synthesis were carried out. Five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO and SocINDEX) were systematically searched up to 13th of March 2017, using two sets of search terms: (i) elderly and synonyms and (ii) assistive technology and similar words, and combined with a qualitative research filter. Articles were screened, read and critically assessed. The meta-synthesis was guided by Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. RESULTS: Seventeen out of 4645 articles were included. Five phases emerged relating to the process of becoming a user of AT: phase A: Evaluating need, phase B: Acknowledging need, phase C: Incorporating the AT into daily life, phase D: Using the AT, and phase E: Future use. Three transitions, describing factors essential to moving from one phase to the next, were identified; from phase A-B: Valued activities are threatened, from phase B-C: Obtaining the AT and from phase C-D: Trust in the AT. No transition was identified from phase D-E. CONCLUSION: The meta-synthesis led to a deeper understanding of the process of older adults becoming users of AT, by exploring findings across the included articles. The identified phases and transitions in the systematic review serve as an analytical framework for understanding the process from the older adult's perspective. This review advocates for using a client-centred approach throughout the entire delivery process. Implications for rehabilitation The process of the older adult becoming a user of AT involves an individualized time factor, and this supports the practice of individualized follow-up. The process of becoming a user of AT is closely related to self-image; healthcare professionals should support not only the use of AT but also the older adult's emotional adjustment to a new self-image. The process is highly influenced by the older adult's social context; healthcare professionals should consider involving the client's social network in the AT delivery process.
PURPOSE: To identify, synthesize, and evaluate existing literature concerning the process of becoming a user of assistive technology (AT). METHOD: A systematic review and meta-synthesis were carried out. Five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO and SocINDEX) were systematically searched up to 13th of March 2017, using two sets of search terms: (i) elderly and synonyms and (ii) assistive technology and similar words, and combined with a qualitative research filter. Articles were screened, read and critically assessed. The meta-synthesis was guided by Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. RESULTS: Seventeen out of 4645 articles were included. Five phases emerged relating to the process of becoming a user of AT: phase A: Evaluating need, phase B: Acknowledging need, phase C: Incorporating the AT into daily life, phase D: Using the AT, and phase E: Future use. Three transitions, describing factors essential to moving from one phase to the next, were identified; from phase A-B: Valued activities are threatened, from phase B-C: Obtaining the AT and from phase C-D: Trust in the AT. No transition was identified from phase D-E. CONCLUSION: The meta-synthesis led to a deeper understanding of the process of older adults becoming users of AT, by exploring findings across the included articles. The identified phases and transitions in the systematic review serve as an analytical framework for understanding the process from the older adult's perspective. This review advocates for using a client-centred approach throughout the entire delivery process. Implications for rehabilitation The process of the older adult becoming a user of AT involves an individualized time factor, and this supports the practice of individualized follow-up. The process of becoming a user of AT is closely related to self-image; healthcare professionals should support not only the use of AT but also the older adult's emotional adjustment to a new self-image. The process is highly influenced by the older adult's social context; healthcare professionals should consider involving the client's social network in the AT delivery process.
Authors: Anne Lund; Torhild Holthe; Liv Halvorsrud; Dag Karterud; Adele Flakke Johannessen; Hilde Margrethe Lovett; Erik Thorstensen; Flávia Dias Casagrande; Evi Zouganeli; Reidun Norvoll; Ellen Marie Forsberg Journal: Res Involv Engagem Date: 2021-05-10