Thais Pousada1, Jessica Garabal-Barbeira2, Cristina Martínez2, Betania Groba1, Laura Nieto-Riveiro1, Javier Pereira1. 1. TALIONIS Research Group, Research Center of Information and Comunication Technologies (CITIC), Faculty of Health Science, Universidade da Coruña (University of A Coruña), 15006 La Coruna, Spain. 2. Galician Association of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (AGAELA), 15670 Culleredo, Spain.
Abstract
(1) Background: The study is focused on the implementation of outcome measurement tools to assess the impact of an assistive device from a loan bank in the lives of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases. The secondary purpose is to analyse the correct matching between the person and technology, derived from the counselling of an occupational therapist. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. The sample was formed by 28 people with rare neurodegenerative disorders. A specific questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS), and the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) tool were applied to collect the data. (3) Results: The dimension of the PIADS with the best score was competence, and the variations according to gender were not remarkable. The three dimensions of the PIADS (competence, adaptability, and self-esteem) were correlated positively between them and with the mean score of the MPT tool (p < 0.01). The type of assistive technology (AT), diagnosis, and correct match between person-technology are the main factors that condition a positive impact. (4) Conclusions: The results noted the importance of assessing the needs, demands, and contexts of people with rare neurodegenerative diseases to prescribe the best AT. Loan banks of AT have to be considered a valid service that complements their lack in public health services.
(1) Background: The study is focused on the implementation of outcome measurement tools to assess the impact of an assistive device from a loan bank in the lives of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases. The secondary purpose is to analyse the correct matching between the person and technology, derived from the counselling of an occupational therapist. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. The sample was formed by 28 people with rare neurodegenerative disorders. A specific questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS), and the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) tool were applied to collect the data. (3) Results: The dimension of the PIADS with the best score was competence, and the variations according to gender were not remarkable. The three dimensions of the PIADS (competence, adaptability, and self-esteem) were correlated positively between them and with the mean score of the MPT tool (p < 0.01). The type of assistive technology (AT), diagnosis, and correct match between person-technology are the main factors that condition a positive impact. (4) Conclusions: The results noted the importance of assessing the needs, demands, and contexts of people with rare neurodegenerative diseases to prescribe the best AT. Loan banks of AT have to be considered a valid service that complements their lack in public health services.
Authors: Roger O Smith; Marcia J Scherer; Rory Cooper; Diane Bell; David A Hobbs; Cecilia Pettersson; Nicky Seymour; Johan Borg; Michelle J Johnson; Joseph P Lane; S Sujatha; Pvm Rao; Qussai M Obiedat; Malcolm MacLachlan; Stephen Bauer Journal: Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol Date: 2018-06-06
Authors: Thais Pousada García; Jessica Garabal-Barbeira; Patricia Porto Trillo; Olalla Vilar Figueira; Cristina Novo Díaz; Javier Pereira Loureiro Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-16 Impact factor: 3.390