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Investigating the enabling factors influencing occupational therapists’ adoption of assisted living technology
- Authors:
- McGRATH Colleen E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(11), 2017, pp.668-675.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: Research into technology adoption has focused on older adults’ motivations, with less exploration of the perspective of healthcare providers, including occupational therapists, who are often described as the gatekeepers to assisted living technology. Method: This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 20 occupational therapists in England and Scotland. The goal was to identify those enabling factors necessary for occupational therapists to adopt assisted living technology. Results: Five themes emerged regarding the enablers needed to support the adoption of assisted living technology by occupational therapists, including: (1) a positive client–therapist relationship; (2) affordability; (3) time; (4) increased awareness, education, and training; and (5) usability features of the assisted living technology. Conclusion: With an ageing population and the increasing role that technology is playing globally in older adults’ lives, it has never been more important for occupational therapists to harness the potential of new, developing, and existing technologies to support people to live and age as well as possible. To accomplish this, however, requires that occupational therapists are equipped with the time, training, and education necessary to offer their clients assisted living technologies that are client-centred, usable, and affordable. (Publisher abstract)
The benefits and barriers to technology acquisition: Understanding the decision-making processes of older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL)
- Authors:
- McGRATH Colleen E., ASTELL Arlene
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(2), 2017, pp.123-131.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: While research has investigated the factors influencing acquisition and use of technologies/assistive devices by older adults, few studies have addressed the decision-making processes regarding technology adoption of older adults with age-related vision loss. Method: This critical ethnography engaged 10 older adults with age-related vision loss in narrative interviews, participant observation sessions, and semi-structured in-depth interviews to understand their decision-making processes related to the acquisition and use of low vision assistive devices to support occupational engagement. Findings: Study findings focused on the benefits and barriers to technology acquisition and use. Benefits of technology acquisition included: enhanced occupational engagement; independence; safety; insurance; and validation of the disability, while the barriers to technology acquisition included: cost; training; usability; lack of awareness of low vision rehabilitation services; fear of being taken advantage of; and desire to preserve a preferred self-image. Conclusion: Considering the low uptake of vision rehabilitation services, the study findings are important to occupational therapy. A better understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers to technology adoption from the perspective of older adults will help occupational therapists maximise treatment planning designed to enhance the occupational engagement of older adults ageing with vision loss. (Edited publisher abstract)