Experiences of using an Environmental Control System (ECS) for persons with high cervical spinal cord injury: the interplay between hassle and engagement

Michele Verdonck; Elizabeth Steggles; Maeve Nolan; Gill Chard

doi:10.3109/17483107.2013.823572

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Experiences of using an Environmental Control System (ECS) for persons with high cervical spinal cord injury: the interplay between hassle and engagement

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Experiences of using an Environmental Control System (ECS) for persons with high cervical spinal cord injury: the interplay between hassle and engagement

Michele Verdonck, Elizabeth Steggles, Maeve Nolan and Gill Chard

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol.9(1), pp.70-78

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/17483107.2013.823572

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Abstract

electronic aids to daily living (EADL)

electronic assertive technology

environmental control units (ECU)

interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)

occupational therapy

quadriplegia

qualitative inquiry

tetraplegia

Purpose: Environmental Control Systems (ECS) have many benefits; however studies of personal experience of ECS use are scarce. This qualitative study explored the insiders' experience of using an ECS. Method: An ECS starter-pack was compiled and trialled for an eight-week period with six persons with high spinal cord injuries (SCI) living in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently completed with each person and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: Two major themes emerged: "Taking back a little of what has been lost", and "Getting used to ECS" which is the focus of the current paper. This theme captured a dynamic interplay between the experience of "hassle" and "engagement" for new users of ECS. "Hassle" resulted from technological frustrations and the challenge of breaking familiar habits, while "Engagement" resulted from feeling good, having fun and being surprised. Conclusions: The complex interweaving of hassle and engagement experienced by new ECS users reflects the clinical experience of rehabilitation providers. The importance of overcoming initial hassle needs to be understood by clinicians and users in order to maximise the potential benefit of ECS. Non-use must be considered one reasonable outcome if based on realistic ECS trials.

Details

Title: Experiences of using an Environmental Control System (ECS) for persons with high cervical spinal cord injury: the interplay between hassle and engagement
Authors: Michele Verdonck (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Elizabeth Steggles (Author) - Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Canada
Maeve Nolan (Author) - National Rehabilitation Hospital, Ireland
Gill Chard (Author) - University College Cork, Ireland
Publication details: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol.9(1), pp.70-78
Publisher: Informa Healthcare
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.3109/17483107.2013.823572
ISSN: 1748-3107
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Occupational Therapy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448795902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Rehabilitation

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