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Lee CD, Peterson S, Joseph J, McKernan G, Cooper R, Koontz AM, Dicianno BE, Cooper RA. Discovering Provider Awareness of Mobility Assistive Technologies and Clinical Guidelines-A Comparative Analysis With Consumer Responses. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 103:911-917. [PMID: 38630061 PMCID: PMC11398980 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of mobility-assistive technology by investigating and bridging knowledge gaps between mobility-assistive technology providers and consumers with ambulatory limitations. DESIGN A survey was conducted among mobility-assistive technology providers in the United States, consisting of sections on awareness, knowledge importance and desire, and knowledge sources. The responses were compared to data collected from consumers in a previous study. RESULTS A total of 144 mobility-assistive technology providers participated, with 60% having received academic or professional training in relevant fields. Analysis revealed significant knowledge gaps between providers and consumers, particularly in assistive technology assessment tools and knowledge sources. Moderate gaps were also observed in areas such as clinical practice guidelines, desired mobility-assistive technology information, and knowledge sources. However, the gaps in other areas were relatively small. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the knowledge gaps between mobility-assistive technology providers and consumers, hindering the optimal utilization and fulfillment of user needs. Providers possess valuable information that consumers may lack, positioning them as primary knowledge sources. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions, improved communication channels, and enhanced education can enhance the utilization of mobility-assistive technology and improve outcomes for individuals with ambulatory limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Dae Lee
- From the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (CDL, SP, JJ, GMK, RC, AMK, BED, RAC); Department of Occupational Therapy, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana (CDL); Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (RC, AMK, BED, RAC); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (GMK, BED, RAC); and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (BED, RAC)
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Quinby E, McKernan G, Eckstein S, Joseph J, Dicianno BE, Cooper RA. The voice of the consumer: A survey of consumer priorities to inform knowledge translation among Veterans who use mobility assistive technology. JOURNAL OF MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh-2019-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY Mobility assistive technology (AT) can improve the lives of people with disabilities by helping them get around in their communities. Today, over 23.9 million Americans use a wheelchair or assistive device, and over 85,000 wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility devices are provided to Veterans each year. In order to find out how people learn about AT to improve efforts to disseminate information about AT, a survey of people who use mobility AT was conducted. The majority of people who completed the survey were Veterans (82%). It was determined that these people most often learned about AT through other users and/or from Veterans and the Internet, and that some people wish to receive information in other ways. Researchers can use these findings to better reach the people who could benefit from the new mobility AT they are creating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Quinby
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gina McKernan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Stacy Eckstein
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - James Joseph
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Brad E. Dicianno
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rory A. Cooper
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Sivakanthan S, Blaauw E, Greenhalgh M, Koontz AM, Vegter R, Cooper RA. Person transfer assist systems: a literature review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019; 16:270-279. [PMID: 31607186 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1673833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Novel developments in the robotics field have produced systems that can support person wheelchair transfers, maximize safety and reduce caregiver burden. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe these systems, their usability (or satisfaction), the context for which they have been or can be used and how they have been evaluated to determine evidence for their effectiveness. METHOD Available research on Person Transfer Assist Systems (PTAS) was systematically gathered using similar standards to the PRISMA guidelines. The search terms were derived from common terms and via exploring similar review articles. Initial search terms displayed 1330 articles and by using the inclusion/exclusion criteria 96 articles were selected for abstract review. After full- text reviewing 48 articles were included. RESULTS 29 articles concerned research in robotic transfer systems, 10 articles used both ceiling and floor-mounted lifts and 9 articles used only floor-mounted lifts as an intervention/control group. The results of this analysis identified a few usability evaluations for robotic transfer prototypes, especially ones comparing prototypes to existing marketed devices. CONCLUSION Robotic device research is a recent development within assistive technology. Whilst usability evaluations provided evidence that a robotic device will provide better service to the user, the sample number of subjects used are minimal in comparison to any of the intervention/control group articles. Experimental studies between PTASs are required to support technological advancements. Caregiver injury risk has been the focus for most of the comparison articles; however, few articles focus on the implications to the person.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONCeiling mounted lifts are preferred over floor-based lifts due to lower injury rates.Many robotic transfer systems have been developed; however, there is a paucity of quantitative and qualitative studies.Based on the results of this review, rehabilitation settings are recommended to use ceiling over floor assist systems, and it is recommended to provide training on using devices to assist with patient transfers to lower the risk of injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivashankar Sivakanthan
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eline Blaauw
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Centre for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Greenhalgh
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alicia M Koontz
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Riemer Vegter
- Centre for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rory A Cooper
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Alqahtani S, Joseph J, Dicianno B, Layton NA, Toro ML, Ferretti E, Tuakli-Wosornu YA, Chhabra H, Neyedli H, Lopes CR, Alqahtani MM, Van de Vliet P, Kumagaya SI, Kim JB, McKinney V, Yang YS, Goldberg M, Cooper R. Stakeholder perspectives on research and development priorities for mobility assistive-technology: a literature review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019; 16:362-376. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1650300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Alqahtani
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James Joseph
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, HERL, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brad Dicianno
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Natasha Ann Layton
- Living with Disability Research Centre/Summer Foundation, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | | | - Eliana Ferretti
- Department of Science of Human Movement, University of Estacio de Sa – University Center São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yetsa A. Tuakli-Wosornu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Heather Neyedli
- School of Health and Human Performance Department, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Celia Regina Lopes
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Uberlândia – Umuarama Campus, Uberlandia, Brazil
| | - Mazen M. Alqahtani
- Physical Therapy Department, AlMajmaah University, AlMajmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Shin-Ichiro Kumagaya
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Jong-Bae Kim
- Yonsei University – Wonju Campus, Wonju, the Republic of Korea
| | - Vic McKinney
- Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Yu-Sheng Yang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mary Goldberg
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rory Cooper
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, HERL, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Dicianno BE, Joseph J, Eckstein S, Zigler CK, Quinby E, Schmeler MR, Schein RM, Pearlman J, Cooper RA. The Voice of the Consumer: A Survey of Veterans and Other Users of Assistive Technology. Mil Med 2019; 183:e518-e525. [PMID: 29635318 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A total of 3.6 million Americans and over 250,000 veterans use wheelchairs. The need for advancements in mobility-assistive technologies is continually growing due to advances in medicine and rehabilitation that preserve and prolong the lives of people with disabilities, increases in the senior population, and increases in the number of veterans and civilians involved in conflict situations. The purpose of this study is to survey a large sample of veterans and other consumers with disabilities who use mobility-assistive technologies to identify priorities for future research and development. Materials and Methods This survey asked participants to provide opinions on the importance of developing various mobility-assistive technologies and to rank the importance of certain technologies. Participants were also asked to provide open-ended comments and suggestions. Results A total of 1,022 individuals, including 500 veterans, from 49 states within the USA and Puerto Rico completed the survey. The average age of respondents was 54.3 yr, and they represented both new and experienced users of mobility-assistive technologies. The largest diagnostic group was spinal cord injury (SCI) (N = 491, 48.0%). Several themes on critical areas of research emerged from the open-ended questions, which generated a total of 1,199 comments. Conclusion This survey revealed several themes for future research and development. Advanced wheelchair design, smart device applications, human-machine interfaces, and assistive robotics and intelligent systems emerged as priorities. Survey results also demonstrated the importance for researchers to understand the effects of policy and cost on translational research and to be involved in educating both consumers and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad E Dicianno
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - James Joseph
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Stacy Eckstein
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Christina K Zigler
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Eleanor Quinby
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mark R Schmeler
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Richard M Schein
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jon Pearlman
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rory A Cooper
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Dicianno BE, Joseph J, Eckstein S, Zigler CK, Quinby EJ, Schmeler MR, Schein RM, Pearlman J, Cooper RA. The future of the provision process for mobility assistive technology: a survey of providers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 14:338-345. [PMID: 29557196 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1448470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the opinions of providers of mobility assistive technologies to help inform a research agenda and set priorities. MATERIALS AND METHODS This survey study was anonymous and gathered opinions of individuals who participate in the process to provide wheelchairs and other assistive technologies to clients. Participants were asked to rank the importance of developing various technologies and rank items against each other in terms of order of importance. Participants were also asked to respond to several open-ended questions or statements. RESULTS A total of 161 providers from 35 states within the USA consented to participation and completed the survey. CONCLUSIONS This survey revealed themes of advanced wheelchair design, assistive robotics and intelligent systems, human machine interfaces and smart device applications. It also outlined priorities for researchers to provide continuing education to clients and providers. These themes will be used to develop research and development priorities. Implications for Rehabilitation • Research in advanced wheelchair design is needed to facilitate travel and environmental access with wheelchairs and to develop alternative power sources for wheelchairs.• New assistive robotics and intelligent systems are needed to help wheelchairs overcome obstacles or self-adjust, assist wheelchair navigation in the community, assist caregivers and transfers, and aid ambulation.• Innovations in human machine interfaces may help advance the control of mobility devices and robots with the brain, eye movements, facial gesture recognition or other systems.• Development of new smart devices is needed for better control of the environment, monitoring activity and promoting healthy behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad E Dicianno
- a Human Engineering Research Laboratories , VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,c Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology , University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - James Joseph
- a Human Engineering Research Laboratories , VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Stacy Eckstein
- a Human Engineering Research Laboratories , VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Christina K Zigler
- a Human Engineering Research Laboratories , VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Eleanor J Quinby
- b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Mark R Schmeler
- c Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology , University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Richard M Schein
- c Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology , University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Jon Pearlman
- a Human Engineering Research Laboratories , VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,c Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology , University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Rory A Cooper
- a Human Engineering Research Laboratories , VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,c Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology , University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
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