Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5
on Family
Caregivers
L. Demers and B.W. Mortenson
CONTENTS
5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 83
5.2 Overview of Current Literature ......................................................................................... 84
5.2.1 AT and Human Assistance ..................................................................................... 84
5.2.2 Caregivers of Assistance Users .............................................................................. 85
5.3 Conceptual Frameworks on the Impact of AT on Caregivers and Users .................... 87
5.3.1 Conceptual Framework 1 ........................................................................................ 87
5.3.2 Conceptual Framework 2 ........................................................................................ 89
5.3.3 Conceptual Framework 3 ........................................................................................ 90
5.4 Measurement Tools Adressing AT Impacts on Family Caregivers .............................. 91
5.4.1 Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure ........................................... 91
5.4.2 Family Impact of Assistive Technology Scale...................................................... 92
5.4.3 Examples of Outcome Measurement With Vignettes Based on the
Assistance Users/Caregiver Dyad Assistive Technology Process Model ....... 93
5.4.3.1
Vignette 1
.................................................................................................... 93
5.4.3.2
Vignette 2
..................................................................................................... 95
5.5 Future Directions ................................................................................................................. 97
5.6 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................... 97
Summary of the Chapter .............................................................................................................. 98
Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................ 98
References ....................................................................................................................................... 98
5.1 Introduction
It is generally understood that assistive technology (AT) has the potential to enhance
users' functioning, and, in the process, allow them to be less dependent on the assistance
of others. However, for the vast preponderance of ATs, this secondary assumption is not
buttressed by systematic evidence (McWilliam et al. 2000; Henderson et al. 2008). To create
an enhanced understanding of the impact of AT on caregivers, we need (1) better empirical
evidence, (2) an improved conceptual understanding of the inter-relationship of outcomes
between assistance users and caregivers, and (3) more developed and refined measure-
ment tools. To address these needs this chapter has the following goals:
• To provide an overview of current literature that explores the impact of AT on
informal caregivers of children and adults,
• To offer theoretical contributions that explicate the relationship between AT inter-
ventions and outcomes for assistance users and their informal caregivers and
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