Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
the patient remotely. The first results of a study conducted at the University of Maryland
Hospital showed that most patients are comforted by the use of this robot because the
platform enables them to maintain a more constant contact with health-care professionals
(InTouch Health 2004).
13.6 Acceptance, Rejection, or Abandonment of an
Assistive Technology
The acceptability and willingness by elderly people to use assistive solutions seem to be
complex issues. A technological aid is a helpful support when used properly and designed
appropriately on the basis of a user's characteristics and needs. Aging effects certainly
have an influence on how willing older adults are to use existing technologies as well
as how they learn to use new technologies. Personal factors such as age-related changes
in perception, cognitive, and motor systems; anxiety; self-efficacy; and familiarity with
technology represent strong predictors of technology adoption and its effective use (Czaja
et al. 2006). McCreadie and Tinker (2005) suggested a complex model of acceptability in
which the interaction between individual “felt need” for assistance and “product quality”
play an important role. According to the authors, the synergy between individual needs and
the personal life environment create the perception that a person needs help. In addition, if
a technological device works properly, reliably, and safely, older people are more willing to
accept and use it in everyday life. When a person accepts the technological aid only in terms
of necessity and as a means of carrying out activities of daily life, acceptability is defined
as reluctant. When the assistive solution is perceived as being part of one's own life, the
acceptability is defined as grateful, and when a person considers the technological device
as being a part of themselves, the acceptability is described as internal (Karmarkar et al.
2008). Another factor that influences the acceptability of assistive solutions is the perception
of advantages or disadvantages of a device: If the perceived advantages outweigh the
disadvantages, acceptability of the assistive solution increases. Cesta and colleagues (2011),
in their study on the interaction of elderly people with an assistive technology domestic
system, identified relevant issues about the acceptability of a robot by elderly users in the
domestic environment. They found that elderly people recognize the practical advantages
provided by an intelligent assistant, which can help the users in the management of
everyday activities and age-related difficulties and makes them feel sure. According to
the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use
induce the user to acquire and use an assistive solution (Davis 1993). In addition, TAM
indicates that the actual use of the system is predicted by the behavioral intention.
The acceptability of a specific support is probably influenced by the coping strate-
gies elderly people commonly use to manage the weakening of their competences
(Brandtstädter et al. 1990; Slangen-de Kort et al. 1998). Assimilative strategies involve an
active modification of the environment to reach personal goals; conversely, accommoda-
tive strategies imply a personal adaptation to the environment. In this respect, it is clear
that the acceptability of a technological support may depend on the extent to which it
modifies the characteristics of older adult's home. In addition, another issue to be con-
sidered is the features of daily life for which the assistive solution is expected to be
used. Environmental barriers (such as a two-story house) could limit the acceptability
of an assistive solution, so it is important to assess physical environmental barriers in
