Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Challenges to Effective Evaluation
of Assistive Technology
Richard Simpson
Abstract
Evaluation in the context of assistive technology can take sev-
eral forms. Engineers evaluate the devices and technologies they develop.
Clinicians perform clinical evaluations to decide which device(s) are most ap-
propriate for their client. Finally, researchers hope to evaluate the long-term
outcomes of assistive technology interventions. Evaluating a new assistive
technology in the lab can be complicated by small user populations and the
lack of universally accepted performance measures. The obstacles to effective
clinical evaluations include the wide variety of devices that can meet each
client's needs and the limited time and resources available to clinicians and
their clients. Evaluating assistive technology outcomes is a relatively new
pursuit, with many open questions.
6.1 Introduction
Evaluation is a critical aspect of the research and development process. The
scientific method rests on the ability to measure the results of actions or
interventions. Similarly, the development process is almost always depicted
as a repeating cycle of implementation and evaluation. There are at least
three different kinds of evaluation in regards to assistive technology (AT).
Scientists and engineers evaluate the devices and technologies they develop
as part of the research and development process. Clinicians perform clinical
evaluations of a client's needs and abilities to decide which device(s) are most
appropriate for their client. Finally, there is the idea (though rarely put into
practice) of evaluating the long-term outcomes once a client has received AT.
