Assistive Technology in Australia: Integrating theory and evidence into action

Abstract

Background:Occupational therapists use a range of strategies to influence the relationship between person, environment and occupation and facilitate people's participation and inclusion in society. Technology is a fundamental environmental factor capable of enabling inclusion, and occupational therapy models articulate a role for assistive technology (AT) devices and services, but there is a gap between theory, research and practice. The context of AT provision in Australia presents systemic barriers that prevent optimal application of AT devices and services for societal health promotion and in individualised solutions. Methods:The Integrating Theory, Evidence and Action method (ITEA) was used to answer the question "How can occupational therapy support AT provision to enable older people and people with disability?" A wide range of sources were systematically analysed to explore the complexities of AT provision in Australia. Results:The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and IMPACT 2 model are used as frameworks to reconstruct evidence into statements that summarise the theory, process, and outcomes of AT provision. Analysis of the influence of the global disability rights and local policies and AT provision systems is used to highlight important aspects for occupational therapists to consider in research and practice. Pragmatic recommendations are provided to enable practitioners to translate theory and evidence into action. Conclusion:AT provision can be improved by focusing on evidence for and congruence between theory, process and outcomes, rather than isolated interventions. Occupational therapists should consider the influence of contextual factors on practice, and work with consumers to improve access and equity in AT provision systems.

The Convergence and Mainstreaming of Integrated Home Technologies for People with Disability

“…A range of promising evidence exists linking assistive technologies to a range of outcomes including increased autonomy and independence, decreased risk, functional decline and admissions, consumer satisfaction and quality of life, and cost effectiveness [38]. Products and systems that enhance people's control over activities in their homes are proliferating, as are the range of terms that describe them.…”

Terapia Ocupacional e prescrição de cadeira de rodas: proposta de fluxograma de prescrições com base na revisão narrativa/Occupational Therapy and wheelchair prescription: proposal for a prescription flow chart based on narrative review

“…Os terapeutas ocupacionais são profissionais que, pelo uso terapêutico de ocupações com pessoas, grupos ou populações (cliente), buscam melhorar ou possibilitar a participação (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015). Eles usam uma série de estratégias para influenciar a relação entre pessoa, ambiente e ocupação e facilitar a participação e inclusão das pessoas na sociedade (Steel & Layton, 2016). Uma das possibilidades de intervenção é o uso da tecnologia assistiva, que é a área de conhecimento que possibilita adaptações e modificações e engloba produtos, recursos, metodologias, estratégias, práticas e serviços que objetivam promover a funcionalidade, relacionada à atividade e participação de pessoas com deficiência, incapacidades ou mobilidade reduzida, visando sua autonomia, independência, qualidade de vida e inclusão social (Brasil, 2009, p. 9).…”

Assistance dogs in occupational therapy practice: A survey of Australian occupational therapists' experiences and recommendations

“…Occupational therapists have a key role in recommending all forms of assistive technologies (AT), device and resources to facilitate performance in everyday activities and increase quality of life (Camp, 2001; Steel & Layton, 2016). AT is defined as ‘any device or system that allows individuals to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do or increases the ease and safety with which tasks can be performed’ (National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), 2015).…”