ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132209

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

In order to develop and maintain a viable service delivery program, the realities of cost effectiveness and cost efficiency in providing assistive technology must be addressed. Cost effectiveness relates to value of the outcome compared to the expenditures. Cost efficiency analyzes how a provider uses available resources to supply goods and services. This paper describes how basic business principles of benefit/cost analysis can be used to determine cost effectiveness. In addition, basic accounting principles are used to illustrate methods of evaluating a program's cost efficiency. Service providers are encouraged to measure their own program's effictiveness and efficiency (and potential viability) in light of current trends. This paper is meant to serve as a catalyst for continued dialogue on this topic.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132210

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132211

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

This article reviews the fields of assistive technology in general and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in particular from the perspective of a manufacturer and service provider. Issues that could facilitate the greater use of assistive technology by people with disabilities are identified, which include awareness, professional preparation and ethics, service delivery, and funding. The current situation is described, a desired situation is presented, and the reader is challenged with action to move in that direction.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132212

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Wheelchair pressure mapping devices used in the prescription of seat cushions and postural supports have been limited in durability, data presentation, and/or clinical efficiency. This project sought to establish the ideal specifications for clinically useful pressure mapping systems, and to use these specifications to influence the design of an innovative wheelchair pressure mapping system (Tekscan “Seat”). Technology, previously developed for measurement of forces of dental occlusion and of the foot during gait, was applied to wheelchair seat mapping. Tests were designed to compare the performance of three pressure mapping systems: the Tekscan system, the FSA system, and the Talley TPM3. Bench tests were done to measure reproducibility, hysteresis, and creep of each of the pressure mapping systems. A contoured loader gauge was developed to test for the influence of hammocking. Tests were also performed using spinal cord-injured subjects to demonstrate the relative performance of the pressure mapping systems in a clinical setting. A focus group session was conducted with seating specialists to review the strengths and weakness of the systems for routine clinical use. The TPM3 was found to be the most accurate, stable, and reproducible but limited in ease of use, speed, and data presentation. FSA was rated well in clinical application and data management but demonstrated a pronounced hysteresis (±19%) and creep (4%). The Tekscan system also showed substantial hysteresis (±20%) and creep (19%) but was preferred by clinicians for its real-time display capabilities, resolution, and display options. Some trends in system performance on varied support surfaces were identified and can be a valuable guide to interpretation of measurements and prescription decision making in the clinic. Problems identified with the accuracy and stability of the Tekscan and FSA systems may be amenable to resolution with software correction and changes in fabrication. With these improvements all three systems show the potential to be useful clinical tools.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132213

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Finding solutions to the seating problems of nursing home wheelchair users is challenging due to the lack of data regarding the pressure-relieving and comfort performance of wheelchair cushions for this population. This study's goal was to determine whether commercially available seat cushions provide better pressure relief and comfort than do traditionally provided or “makeshift” cushions or pads. Using a repeated measures design, 21 nursing home wheelchair users were enlisted to help evaluate two traditionally provided or “makeshift” cushions or pads and two selected commercially available seat cushions. The peak sitting pressures for 20 subjects were recorded using an Oxford pressure monitor. Twenty-one subjects were asked to score the test cushions' comfort. Due to the somewhat surprising results for the traditionally provided eggcrate cushion, the results fell short of supporting our initial hypothesis. Nevertheless, the study did identify three cushions, the eggcrate, the gel/foam, and the foam, which provided significantly lower peak sitting pressure averages than those recorded for the mix of cushions and pads used by 50 residents in a previous survey. Select commercially available seat cushions can offer nursing home residents lower sitting pressures and increased comfort. Further investigation is required to assess the long-term performance of these and other seat cushions and to explore the predictive benefits of the statistically significant relationship identified between peak sitting pressure and comfort.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132214

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

A good understanding of the needs, desires, and capabilities of individuals with disabilities is critical if rehabilitation workers are to promote optimum quality of life. This survey was undertaken to determine the needs of a population of adults with disabilities as a result of neurological trauma or disease. We looked at communication, seating, mobility, environmental control, education, and leisure. Consideration of assistive technology's role in meeting these needs was achieved by an experienced Technology Access Team comprising a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech pathologist in screening consenting residents. The initial needs survey identified that 37% of clients in the study had problems with verbal communication, 62% with cognition, and 52% with seating. Assessments for electric wheelchairs were required by 21.5% of clients while 30.7% had problems with hand function for accessing. Further assessment for equipment and/or training was recommended in 123 (70%) of the 163 participants. These findings have implications for management, including raising awareness of technology's benefits. There are also implications regarding staff knowledge and specialist skills required to identify needs and technological solutions. Preliminary recommendations await validation as individual's requirements are further investigated.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132215

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have weak hip extensor muscles and gait-related difficulties. Current therapeutic techniques do not provide sufficient exercise for this muscle group. In addition to calisthenics, therapists use a traditional tricycle to strengthen leg muscles, yet the mechanics of traditional tricycles are not effective in exercising hip extensor muscles. A new therapeutic tricycle was designed specifically to exercise the hip extensor muscles, and tests compared the traditional tricycle to the new hip extensor tricycle in effectiveness of promoting hip extensor activity in two subjects without CP. The tests demonstrated that the hip extensor tricycle was more effective in promoting hip extensor activity. Tests are underway to investigate the effect of the hip extensor tricycle in improving hip extensor strength and gait in patients with cerebral palsy. This paper describes the design of the hip extensor tricycle and a preliminary investigation of its effectiveness.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132216

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132217

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1993.10132218

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1993

数据来源: Taylor