Process Evaluation of the Optimized Provision of AT for Impaired Upper Extremity Function Within the OMARM Study.

A quality standard for the ICF-oriented provision of arm supports and robotic arms was designed. To facilitate this new working method, tools were developed in co-creation with all stakeholders. Professionals received training and were asked to apply the new working method among their clients who participated in the intervention group of the OMARM project. To find out whether the provision had changed following the introduction of the quality standard, and to gain insight into the usage of tools and the perceived added value, a process evaluation was conducted after 3, 6 and 9 months by an online survey. In sum, the new working method was applied to 43 of 137 clients, and tools were used 105 times. Opinions on perceived changes, benefit, and practicability varied widely. Although tools were developed in co-creation with all stakeholders, several professionals' satisfaction with the developed way of working is lower than expected and its adoption lags.

Optimising Service Delivery of AAC AT Devices and Compensating AT for Dyslexia.

To promote successful use of Assistive Technology (AT) supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and compensating for dyslexia, the last steps of their provision, delivery and instruction, use, maintenance and evaluation, were optimised. In co-creation with all stakeholders based on a list of requirements an integral method and tools were developed.

Environmental effects in the performance of daily tasks in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of switching from a familiar to an unfamiliar setting on household task performance in healthy adults. We also examined the influence of the cognitive functions abstract reasoning and memory on the ability to adapt to different environments. METHOD: Thirty healthy adults were observed in two different settings while they performed two daily tasks. We evaluated process skill abilities in task performance, time needed to perform each task, memory functioning, and abstract reasoning. RESULTS: Performance of both tasks required significantly more time in the unfamiliar kitchen. Scores on process skill abilities were significantly lower in the unfamiliar kitchen. We found no associations between environmental effects and abstract reasoning or memory. CONCLUSION: We found environmental effects on task performance in healthy adults. These findings have important implications for rehabilitation practice. Addressing facilitation of transfer of training effects to familiar environments is of great importance to rehabilitation programs.