[pdf] Søgestrategi - Hjælpemiddelinstituttet - Ergoterapeutforeningen

Abstract
Title
”It is the joy of being able to do it yourself…“
The influence of ambient assisted living-technology on the experience of occupational
participation and quality of life
Purpose
To investigate how the use of ambient assisted living-technology influenced the
experience of occupational participation and quality of life among individuals with
physical disabilities.
Method
This project was based on a qualitative research design. Data was collected through
semi-structured interviews with four individuals with tetraplegia. They all lived in their
own houses and used different types of ambient assisted living-technology, including
environmental control systems. The analysis was conducted by the systematic text
condensation method described by Malterud.
Results
By the use of environmental control systems the respondents were able to perform
basic activities of daily living, such as opening doors and windows, and using
computers and phones, completely or partially independently. This was of great
significance, and increased the feelings of independence, freedom and privacy.
Moreover the respondents were more active in their lives. Only a few disadvantages
were mentioned, but according to the respondents these were overshadowed by the
benefits. All the respondents expressed a positive relationship between the use of
environmental control systems and their quality of life.
Conclusion
The respondents experienced that their occupational participation and quality of life
were increased by the use of environmental control systems. Apparently it was
different to what extent the occupational participation influenced their quality of life.
MeSH terms
Ambient assisted living-technology, environmental control system, physical disability,
occupation, participation, quality of life.