Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
the bathroom to allow Charlie to access it with his power chair. Alternative power wheel-
chair control switches and environmental control systems might be necessary.
5.4.3.2 Vignette 2
Step 1.
On the basis of the process outlined above in conjunction with their clinician, Bob and
Jean have decided they would like to make it safer and less painful for him to (1) get around
and (2) perform bathroom transfers. They would also like to see if (3) he could become more
independent dressing putting on his shoes and socks. As described in previous chapters,
various assessments of the user can be used to help determine the most appropriate AT
interventions and evaluate outcomes for Bob, but they will not be described in this chapter.
In looking at the impact on Jean, baseline assessment using the Caregiver Outcome
Measure of Assistive Technology provides the following results regarding the current assis-
tance strategy for their three main issues (presented in Table 5.4 and Figure 5.4). At baseline,
Jean generally has more frequent concerns with the caregiving she provides. The caregiving
burden for dressing is less than the burden associated with mobility and bathroom transfers.
Step 2.
After baseline assessment, various strategies for his issues are considered for his
mobility and bathroom transfers. Although Bob is independent ambulating with his cane,
his falls are a grave concern for Jean and helping him from the floor is a taxing physical
TABLe 5.4
Assessment Data for Jean with the Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure
Baseline
Two Weeks
Four Months
Six Months
CATOM Part 2 and Part 3 Scores
Score
Mean
Score
Mean
Score
Mean
Score
Mean
Mobility-related burden
37
2.8
47
3.6
43
3.3
52
4.0
Bathroom transfers-related burden
34
2.6
55
4.2
47
3.6
59
4.5
Dressing-related burden
50
3.8
53
4.1
51
3.9
53
4.1
Overall caregiving burden
15
3.8
14
3.5
12
3.0
17
4.3
5.0
4.5
4.0
Mobility
Bathroom transfers
3.5
Dressing
Overall burden
3.0
2.5
1
2
3
4
Ti me
FIgUre 5.4
Caregiver assistive technology outcome measure scores over time.
