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. 2020 Nov;15(8):862-870.
doi: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1621954. Epub 2019 Jun 7.

Assistive technology self-management intervention for older Hispanics: a feasibility study

Elsa M Orellano-Colón  1   2 , Stephanie Harrison-Cruz  1 , Edith López-Lugo  1 , Stephanie Ramos-Peraza  1 , Alexandra Meléndez-Ortiz  1 , Johan Ortiz-Torres  1 , Janice Rodríguez-Marrero  1
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Assistive technology self-management intervention for older Hispanics: a feasibility study

Elsa M Orellano-Colón et al. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: Even though assistive technology (AT) can overcome disabilities, Hispanics are among the least likely to use AT. We aimed to assess the feasibility of an assistive technology AT and disability self-management intervention concerning recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, preliminary evaluation of participants' responses to intervention and preliminary efficacy.Methods: We used mixed-method intervention design with a pre- and post-test quantitative model with an experimental intervention and qualitative data obtained after the intervention. Ten older Hispanics were enrolled in an eight weeks group intervention. Instruments to measure feasibility and pre/post participants' report outcomes of quality of life (Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale [PIADS] Short Form), global health (PROMIS General Health Short Form), self-efficacy (Self-efficacy Scale) and performance difficulties (Individualized Prioritized Problem Assessment [IPPA]) were used.Results: Recruitment, retention and adherence rates were high, the intervention was acceptable, and the participants reported outcomes, such as: new knowledge and skills, enhanced activity performance and participation, increased safety and willingness to use AT, decreased performance difficulties and enhanced quality of life.Conclusion: The intervention was feasible and acceptable and is promising in decreasing performance difficulties in daily activities as well as in having a positive impact in older Hispanics' quality of life.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONOlder Hispanics living in Puerto Rico experience a high prevalence of disabilities in independent living.In a relative small sample this study shows that an assistive technology (AT) and disability self-management intervention for older Hispanics living in Puerto Rico is feasible to be delivered in a group format and in the community context.Older Hispanics living in Puerto Rico can potentially decrease performance difficulties in daily living activities and improved their quality of life through assistive technology and disability self-management interventions.

Keywords: Hispanics; Self-help devices; activities of daily living; frail elderly; independent living; therapeutic use.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Mixed method intervention design illustrating the pre-post-test model and the embedded qualitative data during and after the intervention. (VIVE-AT for short; Living the Advantages of Assistive Technologies in English).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Sample session outline of an intervention module for a group meeting.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Participant flow chart. Flow chart of participants recruitment, retention and adherence in the feasibility study of the Viviendo las Ventajas de la Asistencia Tecnológica (VIVE-AT for short; Living the Advantages of Assistive Technologies in English).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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