Abandonment Paper

.docx

School

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

311

Subject

Medicine

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

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Uploaded by DeanFieldStork33

1 AT Abandonment Paper Brianna Batista, OTS Occupational Therapy, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences OCT5330C400: OT Methods 1 Assistive Technology Dr. Llaca October 2 nd , 2023

2 AT Abandonment Paper Occupational therapy focuses on using everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and the ability to participate in meaningful activities (AOTA, 2020) . In OT, assistive technology is considered as one option among many. As such, the therapists design, fabricate, apply, modify, and provide training with various assistive technologies and tools as part of the intervention process to promote participation in occupation and enable access. Assistive technology (AT) is any product or piece of equipment adapted or specifically designed to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (Mortensona et al., 2018). With AT also comes abandonment, which is something OT therapists must be crucially aware of to be able to avoid these situations. Four factors have been identified as the primary reasons for AT abandonment. The four factors are the failure of providers to consider the clients' opinions when making recommendations, easy device procurement, poor device performance, and change in client’s needs or priorities. Providers should adopt a client-centered approach to address the first factor, preventing assistive technology abandonment caused by the failure to consider clients' opinions. As an OT, we can receive insight into whether the AT is suitable and comfortable for them by adopting a client-centered approach. We can accept the client's opinion by presenting the AT recommendation and asking them what they think about it and if they believe it will work for them. AT aims to aid in maintaining or improving an individual's functioning and independence. If a patient is experiencing difficulty feeding due to upper extremity dysfunction, for example, then an AT that would be recommended could be foam tube grips for utensils or a 180-degree rotating feeding spoon (Sun et al., 2019). Both ATs can assist patients with upper limb dysfunction to eat independently. Receiving the patient's opinion on the AT is vital so that we, as

3 OTs, can set realistic expectations to avoid misconceptions and abandonment. Having the patients put their feedback into the recommendations allows them to feel incorporated and thought about. Collaborating ideas will go a long way in the patients using the AT, considering any cultural and sociological factors that might affect their personal and social lives (Orellano- Colón et al., 2022). The next factor addresses easy device procurement. Easy device procurement refers to how individuals perceive the value of the AT. Considering the value, the patient will put on the AT is crucial because it is made to aid the patients to be independent. An example is Alexa, which gives individuals with visual impairments or upper extremity residual limb loss access to manipulate their environment at home and read or say information aloud when needed. According to Janson et al. (2022), using Alexa in the home for patients has improved independence, mental health, and medication adherence. The individual's cultural background, social impact, and necessities impact how they may value certain AT. In this case, the individual with disabilities will value an Alexa more than an individual who does not have a disability because they do not rely on it as much or need it on a day-to-day basis to be independent. As an OT, we can educate the patient and demonstrate just how important the AT is for them regardless of price, appearance, or social influence by relating it specifically to them and how it will improve their daily life. When individuals feel the AT has a sense of purpose for themselves and see how it can fit into their daily lives, it allows them to value it more and see its significance, avoiding abandonment. Poor device performance is another factor that leads to AT abandonment. When patients are recommended AT, some may believe that the device does not do what it is intended to do and that it looks like it could break easily. An example of this would be a patient who requires a

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