Galbert A, Buis A
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.
Can Prosthet Orthot J. 2024 Sep 22;7(1):43790. doi: 10.33137/cpoj.v7i1.43790. eCollection 2024.
Actuated devices can be beneficial for individuals with upper limb muscle weakness, offering extra force and grip. Utilising this type of assistive device can facilitate daily activities, thereby enhancing independence and overall quality of life. The development of actuated assistive devices has been growing, and current literature shows promise in their clinical use. However, they are not yet medically recommended by global guidelines and councils. Studies have suggested why assistive devices have barriers to access, but actuated devices have not been a focus in these discussions.
To address this issue, a survey was conducted among professionals who prescribe and assess upper limb assistive devices. The survey aimed to gather their opinions and quantify the factors that might contribute to the limited use of actuated devices in the field.
A web-based cross-sectional study was designed using Qualtrics, contained 25 items and was conducted between October 2023 and January 2024. The survey was piloted, validated, and ethically approved. Results were statistically analysed, and open questions underwent thematic analysis.
87 Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) contributed to the survey, with a completion rate of 69% (60/87). Survey respondents predominately worked from the USA (72%). The survey revealed that 66% of respondents felt they did not have sufficient access to assistive devices and 58% indicated that outcome measures could be improved. They also noted that actuated devices needed to better meet user-centric needs. Barriers to prescribing these devices included a lack of awareness, experience and standardised prescription methods. In addition, the limited time with patients made decision-making and validation of an actuated device difficult.
AHP's have experience prescribing assistive devices but do not have access, knowledge, or clinical methods to assess the use of actuated devices. Future designs for actuated devices should focus on wearability, comfort, user satisfaction, safety and ease of use.
驱动装置对上肢肌肉无力的个体有益，可提供额外的力量和抓握力。使用这类辅助装置有助于日常活动，从而提高独立性和整体生活质量。驱动辅助装置的发展一直在增长，目前的文献表明其在临床应用中有前景。然而，全球指南和委员会尚未在医学上推荐使用它们。研究提出了辅助装置存在获取障碍的原因，但驱动装置尚未成为这些讨论的焦点。
为解决这一问题，对开具和评估上肢辅助装置的专业人员进行了一项调查。该调查旨在收集他们的意见，并量化可能导致该领域中驱动装置使用受限的因素。
使用Qualtrics设计了一项基于网络的横断面研究，包含25个项目，于2023年10月至2024年1月进行。该调查进行了预试验、验证并获得伦理批准。对结果进行了统计分析，开放性问题进行了主题分析。
87名健康照护专业人员参与了该调查，完成率为69%（60/87）。调查对象主要来自美国（72%）。调查显示，66%的受访者认为他们无法充分获取辅助装置，58%的受访者表示结局指标可以改进。他们还指出，驱动装置需要更好地满足以用户为中心的需求。开具这些装置的障碍包括缺乏认识、经验和标准化的处方方法。此外，与患者相处的时间有限使得对驱动装置的决策和验证变得困难。
健康照护专业人员有开具辅助装置处方的经验，但无法获取、缺乏知识或临床方法来评估驱动装置的使用情况。未来驱动装置的设计应注重可穿戴性、舒适性、用户满意度、安全性和易用性。
