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Keeping it simple - a case study
Conference paper   Open access

Keeping it simple - a case study

Michele Verdonck, M Cox and H Kane
Recent Advances in Assistive Technology and Engineering (RAatE), 2012 (Coventry, United Kingdom, 26-Nov-2012)
2012
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Abstract

Public Health and Health Services
Introduction: Meeting the assistive technology needs of clients in an Irish rehabilitation hospital is challenging given current staffing and financial resources. This paper describes the intervention by a pilot assistive technology team to facilitate access to mainstream technologies for one woman with a C5 spinal cord injury during rehabilitation. Method: The pilot assistive technology team included a clinical rehabilitation engineering student (on a 12 week placement), an occupational therapist and a speech and language therapist each with 4 hours per week allocated to assistive technology. A single case study of a woman in her 60's is described using photographs to illustrate components of the team intervention and treatment outcomes. Anne (not her real name) sustained a spinal injury following a fall resulting in tetraplegia (C5 ASIA B). Her functional ability was further compromised by severe bilateral contractures in her upper limb joints. Findings: Interventions included: learning to access a Kindle e-reader; navigation of an iPad; navigation of an Android tablet and use of a standard mobile telephone. These efforts involved a combination of: splinting; customisation of pointing devices; mounting of devices; consideration of switch use; adjustment of everyday devices; trial of various computer apps as well as the development of some digital literacy skills. Anne was able to access mounted tablet computers, an electronic e-reader and her own mobile phone. Successful incorporation of these skills into her daily life required practice and regular review of set-up and access methods as well as frequent adjustments to ensure the intervention matched her changing desires and physical abilities. Conclusion: This single case study provides a description of team work, client centred care and clinical outcomes during a rehabilitation for spinal cord injury programme. While it does not include advanced technological interventions it describes and illustrates the real efforts of a new assistive technology team to enable a person with significant physical restrictions to use and enjoy mainstream technology.

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