Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

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78ImplicationsThe ongoing use and integration of AT devices leads to an increasing dependence ontechnology for people with a disability. User expectation and reliance on technology hasnever been higher. Therefore, it is imperative that manufacturers do all they can to improvethe quality of their products and ensure a minimum ‘standard’ has been met.The development of a testing protocol will be beneficial to both users and manufacturers ofelectronic AT equipment. Manufacturers could avoid costly repairs, field failure and recalls iftheir products are type tested before release into the market, ensuring a minimum acceptablelevel of quality and safety has been reached.StatusOngoingProject titleContributorsSummaryInnovative Technology TeamAnnabelle Tilbrook, Sue van de Loo, Ben Symonds, Sandra Stewart, Rob GarrettThe complexity of technology available to assist people with a disability is increasing at arapid rate. Sophisticated wheelchair control systems and computer-based communicationdevices are examples of products that offer immense opportunities for independent mobilityand communication. However due to the complex nature of these devices it has becomeevident that therapists looking to assess, trial and prescribe such technology will greatlybenefit from input and recommendations from expert therapists, technicians and engineers.The aim of this project was to set up a procedure and framework to ensure appropriateclients receive the benefits of high-end assistive technology (AT). This was achieved throughthe establishment of a specialist multidisciplinary team that Novita therapists can utilise as asource of expertise and support when considering complex technology for their clients.MethodResultsA working group (comprising occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists,rehabilitation engineers, orthotists and mobility and seating clinicians) was formed and giventhe task of identifying the limitations of Novita’s existing service model, in the context of theprovision of complex AT. Specifically they were to identify resources that therapists wouldrequire when assessing, prescribing and providing complex technology such as integratedcontrols and wheelchair mounting systems for AT. These requirements were to be clearlydefined and utilised to describe the optimal model that could be implemented to achievepositive client outcomes, along with the resources required to implement such a solution.The group investigated the current situation and identified the lack of access to technicalexpertise as the major impediment to the successful delivery of complex AT. They proposedand then implemented a multidisciplinary team comprising therapists, engineers, techniciansand other specialist AT clinicians. A pre-existing group, the Novita Support Team, act asthe initial point of contact, taking on the role of case managers for individuals referred tothe service. Depending on the nature of a particular individual’s needs, various disciplinesare then included in the team. To ensure this dynamically changing team is appropriatelyconstructed for each case the entire team meets at a minimum quarterly interval to reviewupcoming referrals and decide who should be involved with respective cases.
79ImplicationsStatusTo date, the team has provided opportunities for numerous individuals to evaluate, trial andutilise complex AT they may not have otherwise had access to. For some it has provided asolution for independent mobility never previously experienced. For others, it has providedmore independent access to communication devices, thus enhancing their ability tocommunicate in their worlds. The team will utilise outcome measurement tools to perform acomprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of this service into the longer term.OngoingProject titleContributorsSummaryTesting laboratory data logging and remote monitoringAlex Svistounov, Ben Symonds, Andrew Jeffs (University of Adelaide)The NovitaTech Testing Laboratory is accredited by the National Association of TestingAuthorities to perform mechanical testing of rehabilitation equipment to Australian andInternational Standards. These Standards require verifiably accurate and sensitivemeasurement of test parameters such as forces, frequency and environmental conditions.Much of the equipment used for these purposes was falling out of its serviceable life orinadequate for some of the newer Standards being adopted. Additionally, equipment such asprosthetics must undergo extended tests that run 24 hours a day for several months, so thelab required a reliable system for monitoring test progress without the need for a person to bephysically present.This research aimed to develop, build and launch a data acquisition (DAQ) and loggingsystem for the Testing Laboratory that would also allow remote (preferably real-time)monitoring of cyclic tests, remote (computer) control of tests and monitoring of environmentalconditions. The intent was to simplify, streamline and upgrade the existing systems in a costeffective manner to increase testing capacity.MethodResultsResearch was undertaken exploring possible solutions, looking at systems employed bysimilar organisations, seeking input and guidance and engaging the input of mainstreamsuppliers of DAQ systems. Additionally the pros and cons of custom versus ‘off the shelf’systems, and stand alone versus PC-based systems were investigated. This research wascombined with the specific requirements of the Test Lab and relevant Standards to developa detailed DAQ system specification. The most suitable cost effective options were thenselected, implemented, tested and calibrated.A DAQ and remote monitoring system has been designed, built and installed in the testinglaboratory. The system consists of a DAQ unit, web camera, temperature and humiditysensing unit, load cell with signal conditioner and an interface to a Timer Counter Unit forcyclic testing. The system can view real time data, log data, store video, send email alerts,detect motion and stop and start tests remotely. All measurements taken using the systemhave been verified to conform to the required accuracies and error tolerances.
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Research Report2004-2007Connecting
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Welcome to Research at NovitaWelcom
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List of project summariesProject ti
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10Project summariesEnhancing partic
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12MethodThree groups of children ag
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14Project titleContributorsFundingS
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16ResultsThe lowest, highest and me
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18ResultsImplicationsEmergent theme
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24ResultsThree participants were re
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Page 28 and 29: 28MethodA quasi-experimental design
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Page 34 and 35: 34ResultsFive students (25%) respon
Page 36 and 37: 36ImplicationsStatusFor consultants
Page 38 and 39: 38Project summariesEvaluation of se
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Page 46 and 47: 46Results The survey was sent to 22
Page 48 and 49: 48Project titleContributorsSummaryW
Page 50 and 51: 50Project summariesProducts and tec
Page 52 and 53: 52ResultsThe prototype URC that was
Page 54 and 55: 54ResultsImplicationsStatusReferenc
Page 56 and 57: 56MethodThe following process was u
Page 58 and 59: 58ImplicationsStatusThe project was
Page 60 and 61: 60ImplicationsStatusReferencesFamil
Page 62 and 63: 62ResultsThe workshop series began
Page 66 and 67: 66ResultsImplicationsStatusThree im
Page 68 and 69: 68MethodResultsImplicationsStatusAt
Page 70 and 71: 70Project titleContributorsFundingS
Page 76 and 77: 76MethodThe drive for developing an
Page 80 and 81: 80ImplicationsStatusThis system is
Page 82 and 83: 82Other refereed publicationsNguyen
Page 84 and 85: 84Australian Group on Severe Commun
Page 86 and 87: 86Mobility 2005, Exeter, UK• Outc
Page 88 and 89: 88Grants and awards received*Novita
Page 90 and 91: 902005 Australian and New Zealand A
Page 92: Head Office171 Days RoadRegency Par
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Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

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