Evaluating the Impact of Custom Assistive and Adaptive Technology

Rehabilitation engineering is a relatively new field that encompasses many diverse disciplines in engineering, technology, and medicine. Many hospitals do not have a rehabilitation engineering department and their patients are limited to products that are commercially available. These products are often very expensive and not ideal for the user.

Each individual has unique needs. The REC at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals (MRH), as well as other RECs around the world, are focused on efficiently developing novel devices for specific patient needs and creating robust modifications to existing technologies to redirect something designed for the "average" person into something that is customized to the individual.

At Madonna this service is important for individuals with disabilities. Thus, the purpose of this work is to seek input/feedback from end-users regarding the impact of the adaptive device on their function, independence, and quality of life. The investigators expect that the feedback received may guide future design integrations and will document the impact of such services on individuals with disabilities and their caregivers and clinicians. The main goal is that this feedback will demonstrate how a REC, such as the one at MRH, impacts patients' lives and therefore improves patients' outcomes. Enhanced patient outcome measures are valued by all hospitals, and therefore may encourage other hospitals to establish a REC. Additionally, feedback recorded from participants could be integrated into presentations and publications aimed at knowledge dissemination to communities of interest.

Per current REC and MRH procedures, each patient will utilize a device designed or adapted by a rehabilitation engineer within the REC with input from both patient and clinician, along with other relevant experts. These adaptive devices are expected to vary widely and may include items such as toileting tools (for bowel and bladder control), assistive transfer devices, and electronic devices for environmental control.

Individuals in MRH's inpatient and outpatient programs provide care for individuals with a diverse range and level of disabilities. Approximately 2-3 patients each week receive a custom built assistive device to increase their independence and/or hasten their recovery.