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SCIE research briefing 28: assistive technology and older people
- Authors:
- SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE, BEECH Roger, ROBERTS Diane
- Publisher:
- Social Care Institute for Excellence
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 11p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The term ‘assistive technology’ incorporates a wide variety of devices. Assistive technology can be supportive, preventive or responsive. The increasing proportion of older people in the population makes the use of assistive technology an attractive option in social services. Perceptions vary as to whether or not assistive technology has sufficient benefits. Existing research supports the greater use of assistive technology but further evaluation and ‘local learning’ is needed. The views and needs of people using assistive technology need to be taken into account.
Effectiveness of virtual reality technology on functional mobility of older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors:
- CORREGIDOR-SANCHEZ Ana Isabel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Age and Ageing, 50(2), 2021, pp.370-379.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background: The accessibility, versatility and motivation provided by virtual reality technology (VRT) have fostered its rapid expansion as a rehabilitation technique to improve functional mobility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes using VRT, specific virtual reality technology (VRT-S) and non-specific virtual reality technology (VRT-NS), to improve functional mobility in individuals aged >60 years versus conventional treatment (CT) or no intervention. Methods: Nine databases (Cochrane Library, Scopus, PEDro, Medline, CSIC, Web of Science, OT Seeker, NGCH and CINAHL) were searched to identify randomised trials up to December 2019. Results of clinical trials that used VRT-S and VRT-NS in rehabilitation were combined, using a random effects model with inverse variance weighting of the studies. GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42019131630. Overall, there was moderate quality of evidence for the functional mobility results, which means that the estimate of effect is likely to change. Results: Sixteen of the 18 studies selected (n = 568) provided data for the subgroup meta-analysis. VRT-NS was more effective in improving functional mobility than no intervention [standardised mean difference (SMD) = –1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) −1,91 to −0,14). VRT-NS was also more effective than CT in improving resistance in ambulation (SMD = −1.20; 95% CI –1.93 to 0.46). No significant differences were found between VRT-S and CT or no intervention. Programmes in which >18 sessions were applied were more beneficial (SMD = −0.89; 95% CI –1.71 to –0.08; <0.001) than programmes with ≤18 sessions (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI –0.51 to 0.59) versus no intervention. Conclusions: Our results suggest that VRT is an effective intervention for improving functional mobility in older persons compared with CT. VRT-NS proved to be more effective than VRT-S. However, these results are still not conclusive due to the low methodological quality of the studies. Thus, new studies and analyses are required. (Edited publisher abstract)
Care robots for the supermarket shelf: a product gap in assistive technologies
- Author:
- BLACKMAN Tim
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 33(5), 2013, pp.763-781.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The literature on the development of assistive robots is dominated by technological papers with little consideration of how such devices might be commercialised for a mass market at a price that is affordable for older people and their families as well as public services and care insurers. This article argues that the focus of technical development in this field is too ambitious, neglecting the potential market for an affordable device that is aleady in the realm of the ‘adjacent possible’ given current technology capabilities. It also questions on both ethical and marketing grounds the current effort to develop assistive robots with pet-like or human-like features. The marketing literature on ‘really new products’ has so far not appeared to inform the development of assistive robots but has some important lessons. These include using analogies with existing products and giving particular attention to the role of early adopters. Relevant analogies for care robots are not animals or humans but useful domestic appliances and personal technologies with attractive designs, engaging functionality and intuitive usability. This points to a strategy for enabling mass adoption – which has so far eluded even conventional telecare – of emphasising how such an appliance is part of older people's contemporary lifestyles rather than a sign of age-related decline and loss of independence. (Publisher abstract)
Research and development work relating to assistive technology 2011-12: presented to Parliament pursuant to section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 138p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 requires a report to be laid before Parliament each year describing the research activity the government has funded to improve equipment for disabled and older people. This annual report describes the wide range of government funded projects supporting the development, introduction and evaluation of assistive technology that might increase the range of activities and independence or well-being of disabled and older people. The report aims to reflect research and development activity in relation to a wide range of impairments and health conditions and also to reflect the range of government funding programmes across health, social care, education, housing and employment. All the research into assistive technology included in the report is being funded by the UK government or by the European Union with participation from a UK organisation. During the period April 2011-March 2012, the Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST) recorded 228 projects carrying out research and development activity in assistive technology, of which 82 concluded during the year. A complete listing of assistive technology research and development activity is included as an annex.
FAST Research
- Publisher:
- FAST (Foundation for Assistive Technology )
The research section of the FAST (Foundation for Assistive Technology) website includes databases of research projects and publications, R&D News, annual reports, information on funding opportunites, details of the Technology for All programme and guidelines on research terminology.
Going techno in the house
- Author:
- VALIOS Natalie
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 4.3.10, 2010, pp.32-33.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
North Yorkshire Council has achieved success with its use of assistive technology and telecare in helping older people remain independent. This article looks at the local authorities approach and the benefits to their older residents.
Access-ability: making technology more usable by people with disabilities
- Author:
- GILL John
- Publisher:
- Royal National Institute for the Blind
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 36p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This publication provides an overview of guidelines that are now available on the Internet to help designers, engineers and technicians solve the problems of making the technology in our everyday lives accessible and easier to use by elderly people and people with disabilities. It is the experience of many who are neither elderly or disabled, that the technology in our everyday lives is both complex and difficult to deal with. From video recorder and television controls to mobile phones, ticket selling machines, screen interfaces and e-mail systems. Almost nothing is simple. Most devices are complicated and off-putting. People with disabilities, such as low vision or poor manual dexterity, have long had to deal with devices that have not been designed with their needs in mind. There is now growing concern that the lack of design foresight is creating greater social exclusion.
Research and development work relating to assistive technology 2006-07: presented pursuant to section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 56p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Recent technological advances mean that, as well as research into the benefits of specific products, the systems, combinations of technologies and the way assistive technology interfacts with new mainstream technology are also researched. The Department of Health (DH) produces an annual report on this work: Research and development work relating to assistive technology. It covers the research and development work carried out by or on behalf of any Government department in relation to equipment that might increase the mobility, activities and independence or well being of disabled people and those suffering from long-term conditions. The annual reports are produced for DH by the Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST). FAST is a charity funded by DH that works with the assistive technology community to promote useful research and development for disabled and older people.
Preventative technology grant 2006/07-2007/08
- Authors:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 12p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This circular sets out the arrangements surrounding the Preventative Technology Grant for 2006-07 and 2007-08. The grant will be paid as a specific formula grant with no conditions attached. It has been allocated using the relative share of older people’s Relative Needs Formulae (RNF)..
Push button care
- Author:
- LEASON Katie
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 18.08.05, 2005, pp.26-27.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
This article analyses the potential for technology to improve the lives of older people.