Perspectives of Multidisciplinary Professional Teams during Assessment Processes for ATD Selection in the Japanese Public Provision System

Abstract

Selection of assistive technology devices (ATDs), which are imperative for persons with disabilities to improve their quality of life, requires collaboration of users and multidisciplinary professionals. However, it is still unknown how to design and implement an adequate collaborative work flow and a professional team. Under Japanese governmental ATD provision system, based on the application by clients, ATDs are mainly selected through collaborative processes with the clients and health professionals in public organizations, rehabilitation counseling centers (RCCs). By employing qualitative study methods in this study, we investigated the ATD selection process in which health professionals in RCCs collaboratively assess clients with physical disabilities so as to support them in selecting the adequate ATDs. To identify the perspectives required for ATD selection completely, the assessment processes were recorded and analyzed with a pseudo setting in two RCCs. Content analysis of the conversations between the client and professionals revealed the characteristics of the information exchanged in the assessment processes. A total of 760 assessment items were identified, thus indicating a broad array of interest. Despite the richness of information collected for the assessment, half of the assessment items did not have corresponding items in the documents that were employed during the prescription process. Thematic analysis of the interviews that followed revealed the common values and collaborative processes in ATD selection, which were shared and elaborated among the staff in daily social interactions. To facilitate implementation of ATD provision in various areas with few resources, it may be effective to convert this tacit-to-tacit knowledge sharing into a more explicit sharing by promoting analyses of good practices.

Impacts of new and emerging assistive technologies for ageing and disabled housing

“…The local municipalities are responsible for the direct health and rehabilitation of the end-user, whilst at the regional level, AT centres provide common resources and expertise (Sund, 2017). The clear articulation of responsibilities and focus on providing expert knowledge and reliable information builds a foundation for good practices and efficient resource management (Suzurikawa, et al 2021). The decentralised approach of the framework delivers a user-centred solution that tailors AT provisions for individual needs.…”

Estimation of Steering and Throttle Angles of a Motorized Mobility Scooter with Inertial Measurement Units for Continuous Quantification of Driving Operation

“…Despite this ease with which usage can begin, the standard users of MMSs have often suffered considerable decline in their sensory and cognitive functions, in addition to movement functions [16,17]. While PWCs are usually prescribed by medical professionals based on a careful assessment of the individual's body functions [18], MMSs are likely to be acquired personally without any consultations with professionals [19,20]. Interview-based studies of MMS users showed that these users have concerns over safety issues, and the quality and quantity of the training that they each received on acquisition of an MMS differed greatly between individuals [21,22].…”