Article

OBJECTIVES: To review models and instruments for the selection and advisory
process of assistive technology in the rehabilitation field as reported in the
current scientific literature. DESIGN: Systematic literature review. METHODS: A
systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE
(2003-2007). In a
peer-review process with four independent investigators, studies were selected
according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Because of the poor
publication situation, non-research sources were included as well. The data
extracted and compared are: information concerning the selection process for
assistive technology, whether a client-centred approach is used during the
selection procedure, the use of models and instruments, and their compatibility
with the ICF. RESULTS: The search resulted in 16 papers. None of the studies had
an experimental design; nine of the publications were literature reviews. There
is a lack of reliable and valid models and instruments for the selection process
of assistive technology in the scientific literature.
The prevalence of the
Matching Person and Technology Model from Scherer (1998) is explicit in the
publications. The ICF and ISO 9999 are the only classification systems mentioned
in relation to assistive technology, although rarely. CONCLUSION: This is a
poorly developed field resulting in a lack of evidence-based procedures for AT
selection. Such procedures are important to increase consumer satisfaction and
the efficiency of AT provision. There is clearly a need for further research in this field.

Langue : ANGLAIS