A multiprofessional client-centred guide to implementing assistive technology for clients with cognitive impairments

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to develop a framework for prescribing assistive technology (AT) for people with cognitive impairment and provide guidelines for clinical practice. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used to develop and validate the guide. RESULTS: The guide is directed mainly towards occupational therapists and neuropsychologists. It comprises six main steps, 1. Meeting the client, 2. Goal setting, 3. Assessment, 4. Choice of relevant devices, 5. Teaching and training plan, 6. Evaluation and follow-up. Special emphasis is put on the empowerment of the client and their significant others in the process. The guide applies to a wide range of clinical diagnoses involving cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The guide involves a number of steps requiring substantial clinical resources, which is a challenge but at the same time it might promote an understanding for the complexity of the process among clients, their significant others, rehabilitation professionals and resource providers. The expectations are that more structured and individually adjusted procedures result in a more successful long term use of AT.

Lack of time and dependence on significant others: Occupational therapists´ experiences of prescribing time assistive technology for persons with dementia

“…During assessments and interviews, SOs could provide invaluable knowledge about the PwD's past and current needs as described by Collins [20]. SOs often encouraged the PwDs to both try new time AT and continue to use time AT, which is supported in earlier studies [30,31]. Furthermore, our results showed that it was mostly SOs that provided training and reminders for the PwDs in using time AT.…”

How Do Persons with Mild Acquired Cognitive Impairment Use Information and Communication Technology and E-Services? Results from a Swedish National Survey

“…Rehabilitation resources are more restricted in Sweden for persons with MACI, thus one hypothesis would be that people with MACI receive less external support in acquiring new skills after their brain injury. Also occupational therapists need to improve their skills in training patients to use e-services [ 43 ].…”

Use of an electronic pillbox by older adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease: Impact on medication administration and adherence

“…To raise the level of evidence of the effectiveness of eMMDs for medication administration used by people with AD, it is important to define the context of use and evaluate usability in this population (Paterson et al, 2017). In addition, the training strategies must be defined (Bartfai & Boman, 2014). In fact, persons with AD need specific training to learn how and when to use their assistive technology.…”