Article

Assistive technologies (ATs) have tremendous potential to support
occupations (i.e. meaningful daily activities) impacted by changes in cognition
caused by dementia.
However, little is known about what or how ATs are in use in
community settings. This research created and piloted guided interviews intended
to capture what ATs are in use, factors that affect use and gaps in support from
multiple stakeholders.
METHOD: Family caregivers (n = 3) and occupational
therapists (n = 10) were chosen as pilot respondents because of their
relationship to care provision, understanding of how occupations are impacted by
changes in cognition and role in AT procurement. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The interviews' structures enabled data to be
grouped into distinct categories and organized easily. The data illustrated the
types of analysis that could be done given a larger sample size. It appeared that
interviews captured ATs that were in use, as well as areas of non-use and
perceived difficulties. Respondents identified several unmet needs and provided
suggestions for desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:
While the interview guides must be
refined and validated, they are able to capture rich and comprehensive data that
could be used by multiple stakeholders, such as clinicians, engineers and
caregiver education groups, to target AT development, procurement, education and
policy.

Langue : ANGLAIS