Function and impact of electronic aids to daily living for experienced users

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ripat, Jacquie

Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, R131-771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 0T6. Tel.: +1 204 789 3303; Fax: +1 204 789 3927; E-mail: ripatj@ms.umanitoba.ca

Abstract: Electronic aids to daily living are used to activate electronic and electrically powered items in the environment. Anecdotally, users have indicated that the devices are useful and improve their quality of life. This cross-sectional study of 15 experienced users of electronic aids to daily living measured user perceptions of the impact of continued use of a device, and identified the important functions facilitated by the device, using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure respectively. Users perceived that the device enabled them in positive ways, in particular, use made them feel more competent. When experienced users were compared with new users on their perception of the impact of the device on well being, the positive impact was found to be stable over the long term. Increasing and maintaining independence, controlling devices for entertainment, and communication of basic needs were identified as the most important functions facilitated by the device. Understanding the impact of the assistive technology and exploring reasons for continued use are important elements in analyzing the relationship between use and non-use of technology.

Keywords: Electronic aids to daily living, EADL, environmental control unit, outcomes, assistive technology

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-2006-18204

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 79-87, 2006