MedPath

Experimental Control Investigation of the Impact of Assistive Technology on the User-caregiver Dyad: a Multi-site Trial

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
Mobility Limitations
Interventions
Device: Assistive technology updating and tune up intervention
Registration Number
NCT00927706
Lead Sponsor
Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Geriatrie de Montreal
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an assistive technology updating and tune up intervention on users and their caregivers. This intervention includes 4 components:

* an in-residence assessment of the mobility preferences of the older person and his/her caregiver

* a detailed review of forms of assistance, technological and human, that are currently being used

* recommendations by an occupational therapist for possible changes in the older person's mobility assistive technology or assistance strategy

* therapist negotiation of an mobility assistive technology updating and tune-up intervention plan with the individual and his or her caregiver. The intervention is provided to the immediate treatment following the administration of baseline measures and the delayed intervention group six weeks later, after an additional baseline measurement. The treatment is six weeks long and the follow-up is 26 weeks.

Hypothesis 1: For community-dwelling older people, an intervention that increases the appropriateness of existing or new assistive technology(AT) for mobility or self-care will alter established patterns of human assistance, such that caregiver burden is reduced or eliminated.

Hypothesis 2: At the same time, AT users will report less difficulty in mobility or self-care, as well as enhanced subjective well-being, and satisfaction with their modified personal assistance strategy.

Hypothesis 3: Following the AT intervention, caregivers will report reduced physical and/or psychological demands and increased satisfaction with their caregiving-related activities compared with

* the pre-intervention period

* caregivers in a delayed intervention control group. Hypothesis 4: Decreased physical and/or psychological demands on helpers will be associated with increases in device users' satisfaction with their personal assistance strategies.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
88
Inclusion Criteria
  • Users: Aged 65 years and over
  • Have moderate to severe disability that limits their ability to move from place to place independently and/or to perform self-care activities.
  • Living at home
  • Receiving 2 or more hour per week of assistance with mobility and/or self-care activities from a non-professional, caregiver who is also willing to take part in the study.
  • Those caregivers will be adults aged 18 years and over.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Assistive technology users will be excluded if they have severe aphasia, are currently on a community occupational therapist caseload, or are unable to communicate in English or French.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Immediate interventionAssistive technology updating and tune up interventionSubjects and their caregivers randomized to this arm receive the intervention immediately after baseline data is collected.
Delayed InterventionAssistive technology updating and tune up interventionSubjects and their caregivers who are randomized to this group will receive the intervention after baseline measurements are administered twice (6 weeks apart).
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Assessment of Life Habitsbaseline (1or 2 times), 6 weeks (immediately after intervention), 16 weeks later
Caregivers: Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measurebase line (1 or 2), 6 weeks (immediately after intervention), 16 weeks later
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Functional Autonomy Measurement SystemBaseline (1 or 2 times), Immediately after intervention, 16 weeks later
Psychological Impact of Assistive Devices ScaleImediately after intervention. 16 weeks later
Individually Prioritized Problem AssessmentBaseline (1 or 2 times), Immediately after intervention, 16 weeks later
Satisfaction with Personal Assistance StrategyBaseline (1 or 2 times), Immediately after intervention, 16 weeks later

Trial Locations

Locations (4)

the Centre de santé et des services sociaux de Laval

🇨🇦

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Simon Fraser University

🇨🇦

Vancovuer, British Columbia, Canada

the Centre de santé et des services sociaux Cavendish

🇨🇦

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Centre de santé et des services sociaux de Bordeaux-Cartierville--St-Laurent

🇨🇦

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath