Engineering and Technology
Gita Handa Thukral, MD (she/her/hers)
Professor
All India Institute Of Medical Sciences , New Delhi
NEW DLEHI, Delhi, India
The study participants (n=100) from PMR department of tertiary care hospital who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included via convenience sampling. The Interview alongwith WHO rATA (Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment) scale and QUEST. Quebec Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology was used to obtain the information.
Results:
The study participants (n = 100) consisted mainly of males (71%) and residents of city (82%). Common complaints were pain, fitting related and social stigma among users. It was found that the majority of the subjects were “more or less satisfied” with the device, however, 59% strongly agreed that they disliked the appearance of their AFO and 37% were completely dissatisfied with the accessibility while using the AFO. Pain/discomfort was seen in 59%, Fear of falling in 17%, walking/balancing issues in 11%, Fit/size/shape related issues in 24% and Look and appearance/self-image/social stigma in 25% of the AFO s. The user expectations from AFO were recovery from weakness, paralysis (90%), correction of deformity (46%), Helping to move more (44%), Making muscles stronger (41%), Making walking pattern better (36%), Leading a better life (30%), Enhancing regular activities (12%) were perceived by the participants.
Conclusion:
This study explores the possibility of usage of rATA for the specific assistive Technology (like AFO in this context) assessment. It was observed that often patients have high expectations regarding a cure with the use of an AFO. This mismatch of understanding may contribute to dissatisfaction by patients using AFOs, hence user education is essential along with improving technology provision.
