Closing conference of SYSIASS – June 17 th 2014 The Challenge of Effective Provision of Assistive Technology: Increasing or decreasing quality of life? Matthew Pepper Clinical Scientist East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 The Challenge of Effective Provision of Assistive Technology: Increasing or decreasing quality of life? Some reflections 2 Introduction The Team Assistive Technology Posture management Powered Mobility Communication Effective Provision - Reflections/Conclusion

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Introduction What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology - devices or equipment for people with disabilities. Goal is to enhance quality of life; assist, improve or restore the physical, mental and social function and well being of the user; promote greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish. If electronic then Electronic Assistive Technology or EAT. Two examples:

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Assistive Technology “Communication” From a “low tech” Communication book to a “high tech” computer with a voice output.

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Assistive Technology “Mobility” walker or a powered wheelchair

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 The Team The effective provision of Assistive Technology depends on the creation of multidisciplinary team which includes the; User Family Carers Therapists Engineers Suppliers

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 The Challenge of Effective Provision of Assistive Technology: Increasing or decreasing quality of life? Reflect on experiences in England of providing a service to all ages and all conditions. Consider Examples from three interdependent areas of Assistive Technology – Posture Management – Powered Mobility – Communication Aids

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Posture Management “Custom Made Seating” Who is it for? Why is this vital? – Function & Development Cognitive load Access for daily living – Comfort – Correction or containment of deformity – Key requirement for accessing assistive technology

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Posture Management “Custom Made Seating” What if there is a problem? Example from care home

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Pressure Mapping  Pressure Mapping is used  in seating system manufacture to minimise pressure in areas at risk e.g. with the use of pressure relieving materials.  To investigate reported pressure problems after delivery

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Independent Powered Mobility “Specialised Controls” 11 Joystick with Computer and Environmental Control Sip & Puff Mini Joystick Switch Scanning

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Specialised Powered Chair Controls “Posture and Access”

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Communication “Low Tech” Switch Control of Windows Media Player Single Message Switch Two MessageSwitch

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Communication Mid-Tech iPad with Communication Software

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Communication High Tech

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Communication Access “Switches” Is everything OK?

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Communication Access “Eye Gaze System”

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Access by Eye Tracking Track Eye Position Control the on-screen cursor Select objects by Blinking Remaining on the object

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 The Promise of Independence

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 The Reality? Specialised eye gaze hardware – Sunlight sensitive Specialised software to track eyemovement – Sensitive to Glasses Eye colour Eye shape Position of the user’s head Also - Integrated with Specialised communication software Also - Integrated with Windows operating system The likely outcome - reliability? Communication Rate – 1 selection a second? Support Required? Be realistic in expectations? 20

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Posture, Communication, Access and Mounting If one component is incorrect – What is the possible outcome?

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Reflections Multidisciplinary Assessment Important User, family and Care Network are vital part of the team Can the User cope with the technology demands? Can the Care/Support Network cope? The extra demands for users with rapidly progressing conditions 22

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Reflections: The Challenge of Effective Provision of Assistive Technology - Increasing or decreasing quality of life? Training of “Expert” and Health Care Professionals as well as users and care network High quality suppliers with expert “help desk” Keep it simple Understand and learn from the reasons for rejection Keep users and carers in the centre 23

Closing conference of SYSIASS June 17 th 2014 Thank you for listening Merci pour votre écoute 24