Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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MATCH OF
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FIgUre 3.1
(See color insert.)
The matching person and technology model (Scherer 2005). The “Match of Person and AT”
(the smallest circle) equals the assistive solution when quality of life and well-being raise from.
is likely to be accepted and used. It is through a series of worksheets completed by
the user and professional (which identify relevant factors related to the environment,
technology, and person) that the professional gains information to ascertain the critical
factors that influence the acceptance and use of the AT being considered. The goal is
to prevent AT nonuse (abandonment) and inappropriate use by gathering information,
integrating it, and using it to choose the most appropriate AT and mediate between the
needs expressed by the user and those related to the environment of use. For example,
use can be forecast to be partial or reluctant because of environmental factors, but good
in respect to technology features and characteristics of the person; thus, the environ-
ment in which the AT will be used may need modification so that the person can get
the most satisfaction and functional gain with the AT. Environmental features extend
beyond physical access, often including economic resources and social support, so in
the AT selection process it is essential to involve from the beginning all of the people
who will be affected by the use of AT (user, caregivers, family members, employers,
classmates, etc.).
The MPT perspective emerged from concern about AT abandonment. In the 1980s,
scholars began to address the rehabilitation problems related to AT abandonment. The
rehabilitation professionals have therefore begun to seriously study the problems of
those who use AT and why they use them and those who do not and why they abandon
or discard them.
