Novita Research Report January 1999 - Novita Children's Services

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Introduction of a hoist into the family home – a qualitative study into the perspectives of three mothers who care for a child who has a severe physical disability Angela Shepherd 1 Honours Student Supervisor Hugh Stewart 1 Lecturer Novita Supervisor Sonya Murchland Senior Research Occupational Therapist 1 School of Health Sciences – Occupational Therapy, University of South Australia Objective To identify the perspectives of three mothers who use a hoist to assist in the care of a child with a severe physical disability in the home. It sought to identify the effects of hoist introduction on the family as well as factors that influence hoist use. Method A descriptive qualitative methodology was used for naturalistic inquiry. Purposeful sampling was used to select three participants who were the primary caregivers of a child with a severe physical disability that limited their capacity to transfer independently. Mothers were interviewed individually in their own homes using in-depth, semistructured interviews. Analysis of the data used an inductive process of thematic analysis. Results Four major themes emerged: ‘get it ahead of time’; ‘represents loss of function’; ‘meeting family’s needs’, ‘improves quality of life’. The findings highlight the overall positive impact of hoist introduction on the parent and child’s quality of life as a result of improved management of care, increased options for the child, and increased respite options for the parent. Implications These positive outcomes of hoist use were very important in terms of hoist acceptance and eventual use. A number of influences such as the consultation on acquisition of the hoist, early introduction of the hoist, appropriate fit in the home, sensitivity to grief and loss, and negotiations with parents about changes in care provision were all seen as important in the introduction of the hoist. The study also served to remind occupational therapists of the complexity of the introduction process, and the compromises associated with ongoing hoist use in the family home. Project completed in 2002 36 Alex Svistounov Senior Testing Engineer Janitha Jayaweera 1 4th Year Computer Systems Engineering Student David Sanders 2 4th Year Biomedical Engineering Student 1 The University of Adelaide 2 School of Informatics and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia Objective Remote monitoring of the testing laboratory The aim of this research was to develop, build and launch a hardware/software based data acquisition (DAQ) system for the Rehabilitation Equipment Testing Laboratory (Test Lab) that would allow remote (preferably real-time) monitoring of cyclic tests, remote (PC based) control, and monitoring of environmental conditions. Method Preliminary research was undertaken to explore possible solutions, by looking at the systems employed locally by similar organisations and contacting suppliers of DAQ systems. Additionally the pros and cons of custom versus ‘off the shelf’ systems and stand-alone versus PC based systems were investigated. The research was then combined with the specific requirements of the test lab to develop a detailed specification for the DAQ system. Results Several options were identified including turnkey solutions, the use of commercial DAQ and signal conditioning cards combined with some basic programming, or the in-house development of hardware and software. Due to the cost of the commercial solutions the student developed an in-house hardware and software solution for PC based monitoring of basic cyclic tests. This resulted in a functional prototype that can be employed for basic logging and also provided a solid validation of the concept. Implications A complete DAQ system would allow tests to be remotely monitored and thus remove the need for staff to come and check on test progress over weekends and holidays. It would also enable more detailed failure analysis through revision of test conditions leading up to any failures. Currently the student solution is being utilised for basic cyclic testing and the test lab is evaluating the identified commercial DAQ systems to enable comprehensive monitoring and control of all tests. Project commenced in 2003 Novita Children’s Services Incorporated • Research Report January 1999 – June 2004
Toan Nguyen 1 Master of Engineering (Research) candidate Andrew Downing 1 Foundation Professor, Biomedical Engineering Barry Seeger 2 Director, NovitaTech Rob Garrett Group Leader, R&D, Engineering & Support Ruth Davy 3 1 School of Informatics and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide. 2 Retired 3 Co-ordinator, Quality Assurance and Evaluation, Barkuma Inc. Funding: A Strategic Partnerships with Industry Research and Training (SPIRT) scheme funded by the Australian Research Council/ Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA). Funding amount of $42,160. Objective Focus group to assess home and mobile phone needs To assist in the understanding of both the mobile and fixed telecommunication needs of Novita Children’s Services clients and from the identified needs, develop and pilot new service alternatives and product concepts in telecommunications to the wider Novita community. Method A focus group discussion was held at Novita, with four clients consenting to take part. An informal discussion ran for approximately 90 minutes to find answers to questions such as: • How are people currently using mobile and home phones • What difficulties or barriers are people having when using phones • What needs to be changed or improved Participants were also asked to respond to a list of mobile phone solutions and features that could provide better mobile phone access and whether or not they were of significant importance for these participants. Results All members participating in the focus group were current users of mobile phones. The purposes for which the phone were used by the participants included: • a method of keeping in contact with friends and family; • a means of ringing for a taxi and checking on the taxi’s location; • a safety device to enable them to telephone for an ambulance, or the police; and • the use of the phone to type and display a key word or idea to assist in a conversation. There were many problems associated with mobile phone use, features and design. These included lifting the phone from waist level to ear level during mobile phone use. For many people with severe weakness and reduced strength in their arms and hands, a dilemma was noted when choosing between smaller mobile phone models that are lighter to lift but harder to use in contrast to larger models which easier to use but harder to lift to the shoulder. Some participants found that calls were terminated before they were able to retrieve the phone from its storage position, answer the call and then raise the phone to ear level. The type of disability that the participants have often limits the way they can use the mobile phone. Some have adapted ways to overcome their shortcomings when using their mobile phone, while others preferred advanced technologies to solve their problems (although there are some trade-offs, such as privacy). All participants expressed an interest in hands-free operation of the phone through the use of the speakerphone function and/or voice recognition, since all the participants had reduced strength in their arms and hands. There were also participants who have no knowledge of current mobile phone technologies available (hardware and software) that can be used in conjunction with their mobile phone or AAC device to help improve their use and accessibility. Implications The outcomes of this research suggest that accessible mobile phones will become a necessity for people with a disability. Indeed, many existing solutions may solve the many problems faced by people with disabilities. Education and trials of these solutions will play a vital role in determining their appropriateness to individuals. 37 Project completed in 2002 Novita Children’s Services Incorporated • Research Report January 1999 – June 2004
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Novita Research Report January 1999 - Novita Children's Services

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