Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The ATA is a user-driven process through which the selection of one or more AT devices
for an assistive solution is facilitated by the comprehensive utilization of clinical measures,
functional analysis, and psycho-socio-environmental evaluations that address, in a spe-
cific context of use, the personal well-being of the user through the best matching of user/
client and assistive solution (Scherer et al., Early Online).
ATA under the lens of the ICF biopsychosocial model (see Section 3.1):
• The ICF biopsychosocial model is our lens for viewing the ATA process.
• The user (request) seeks a solution for one or more ICF components: body func-
tions and structures (health conditions), activities, and participation, all within the
context consisting of personal and environmental factors.
• The user request triggers the user-driven process.
• The user-driven process begins with the ATA for an assistive solution.
• The assistive solution is facilitated by the comprehensive utilization of clinical
measures, functional analysis, and psycho-socio-environmental evaluations.
• The user request is satisied with the best matching of user/client and assistive
solution (including user well-being and realization of benefit from AT use).
The centre for technical aid verifies the user's satisfaction and realization of benefit by
activating support and follow-up. User well-being continues as long as the solution, with
support and follow-up, remains a good match (Scherer et al., Early Online).
3.3.1 The ATA Process in the Center for Technical Aid
and in the rehabilitation Project
The ATA is the ideal process recommended for a public or private center for technical
aid. However, some studies highlight significant data concerning the AT matching in the
rehabilitation arena (Verza et al. 2006; Federici and Borsci 2011). Federici and Borsci (2011)
have conducted a survey on a large scale on satisfaction with and use of AT within specific
public paths (center for technical aid) and within the rehabilitation project. Such a survey
highlights a very definite difference between the two processes, showing significantly dif-
ferent abandonment rates: in case of specific paths the abandonment rate is approximately
25% (i.e., below international averages, which show rates of approximately 30%, although
it is in line with them if we consider that the ATs studied are only hearing aids and stair
lifts). On the other hand, in the case of rehabilitation projects, the abandonment rate goes
down to 12%. Moreover, within specific paths without a dedicated rehabilitation service,
there is great variability as far as the assignment processes are concerned, which high-
lights the existence of many possible processes in the assignment of AT. The ATA process
allows a general standardization of processes that indicates essential elements in a suc-
cessful matching path. Actually, according to the analysis of Federici and Borsci (2011), it is
clear that they lack some indispensable steps in attaining a good match between user and
AT. In particular, all processes registered in the area do not consider as part of the assign-
ment process a follow-up assessment service that is able to manage user-related problems
and users' frustrations. The lack of follow-up services is one of the main factors that may
cause the abandonment of aids/AT in the research centers.
According to another study conducted in the area of rehabilitation, another relevant fac-
tor emerges concerning a low abandonment rate (Verza et al. 2006). A reduction of 28% (9.5%
up to 37.3%) was credited to the intervention of a multidisciplinary team (physical therapist,
