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Journal article
Consumer-driven evaluation of assistive technology usage and perceived value in people with myositis in Australia
Australian occupational therapy journal, Early View
2024
Appears in Open Access via Read & Publish Agreements
Abstract
Introduction
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (known as ‘myositis’) are a group of rare sporadic inflammatory muscle disorders that significantly impact function and quality of life. There are no standardised approaches in the use of assistive technologies in myositis. This study was initiated to investigate current use and perceived value of assistive technology (AT) by people with myositis.
Methods
A cross-sectional online questionnaire (Qualtrics) was designed to capture information regarding AT use and perceived value and demographic information from people with myositis across Australia. The questionnaire was distributed via the Myositis Association of Australia and specialist myositis clinics. Participants were asked to identify which AT items they owned and how frequently the item was used and to rate the ‘usefulness’ of those items. Information was also collected on participants' engagement with health professionals regarding assistive technologies.
Consumer and community involvement
Consumer involvement via the Myositis Research Consumer Panel identified a knowledge gap regarding AT. The questionnaire was designed with consumer input and review.
Results
One hundred two people (102) with myositis completed the questionnaire. One hundred (100) participants owned at least one AT device, with a median of 12.5 items and a maximum of 65 items. The most used devices were associated with toileting, personal care and mobility. Participants rated AT devices relating to environmental support, sleeping, seating and body support as most useful. There was a positive correlation between disease duration and number of devices used (r2 = 0.248, p = 0.012). Majority of participants (75.5%) were interested in talking to health professionals about AT; however, only 50% had done so.
Conclusion
AT device usage is high among people with myositis, with most items deemed to be useful. Greater occupational therapy input into recommendations and potential funding options may improve knowledge and access to AT.
Details
- Title
- Consumer-driven evaluation of assistive technology usage and perceived value in people with myositis in Australia
- Authors/Creators
- Melanie CussoIan D. Cooper - Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational ScienceKelly Beer - Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational ScienceChiara NaseriSimon GarbelliniAlthea Doverty - Murdoch University, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative TherapeuticsGeoff CorcoranMerrilee Needham - Murdoch University, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics
- Publication Details
- Australian occupational therapy journal, Early View
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Occupational Therapy Australia.
- Identifiers
- 991005661469807891
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Health Futures Institute; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.106 Rheumatology
- 1.106.1684 Dermatomyositis
- Web Of Science research areas
- Rehabilitation
- ESI research areas
- Social Sciences, general