Affiliations: Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
Correspondence:
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Ruth E. Benedict, MS, OTR/L, 1137 E. Ferrell Road, Apex, NC 27502, USA. Tel.: +1 919 362 1484; Fax: +1 919 966 0458; E-mail: ruth.benedict@sph.unc.edu.
Abstract: Objectives:To determine the impact of assistive technology device (ATD) use on child and family function and whether use by young children is related to caregiver satisfaction with a device. Study design:Preliminary study of a state-based ATD Program for young children (< 4 years old). Information on device and child characteristics, service delivery, satisfaction with the device (QUEST), and child and family function (PEDI) was collected through program record review (n=21), telephone surveys (n=13) and face-to-face interviews with caregivers (n=4). Descriptive, non-parametric and qualitative procedures were used. Results:High ranked satisfaction scores were more likely (p=0.03) for children using the device as intended than for those underutilizing the device. For 3 out of 4 children receiving a mobility device, functional mobility and amount of caregiver assistance improved. Conclusion:Application of this preliminary study’s methods will provide valuable information on the effectiveness of ATDs for young children with special needs.
