Mapping user activities and user environments during the client intake and examination phase: An exploratory study from the perspective of ankle foot orthosis users

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Holtkamp, F.C.^{a; *} | Verkerk, M.J.^{b; c} | van Hoof, J.^a | Wouters, E.J.M.^a

Affiliations: [a] Institute of Allied Health Professions, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, The Netherlands | [b] Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands | [c] Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Fred Holtkamp, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Dominee Theodor Fliednerstraat 2, 5631 BN Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 651942732; E-mail:f.holtkamp@fontys.nl

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Non-use of and dissatisfaction with ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) occurs frequently. The objective of this study is to gain insight in the conversation during the intake and examination phase, from the clients' perspective, at two levels: 1) the attention for the activities and the context in which these activities take place, and 2) the quality of the conversation. METHODOLOGY: Semi-structured interviews were performed with 12 AFO users within a two-week period following intake and examination. In these interviews, and subsequent data analysis, extra attention was paid to the needs and wishes of the user, the desired activities and the environments in which these activities take place. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Activities and environments were seldom inquired about or discussed during the intake and examination phase. Also, activities were not placed in the context of their specific environment. As a result, profundity lacks. Consequently, orthotists based their designs on a `reduced reality' because important and valuable contextual information that might benefit prescription and design of assistive devices was missed. A model is presented for mapping user activities and user environments in a systematic way. The term `user practices' is introduced to emphasise the concept of activities within a specific environment.

Keywords: Assistive technology, ankle foot orthosis, assessment, environment, user practice, orthopaedic engineering

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-160452

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 145-157, 2016