Perception of the influence of environmental factors in the use of electronic planning devices in adults with cognitive disabilities

Abstract

Background: Adults with cognitive disabilities often have difficulties in dealing with the complexity of everyday life. With cognitive assistive technology (e.g. electronic planning devices [EPDs] and individual support), they can bring order to their often chaotic life. Assumptions are that environmental factors influence with non-use of EPDs. Objective: To explore how adults with cognitive disabilities perceive the influence of environmental factors in the use of EPDs. Methods: A reference group with experience of use of EPDs assisted the researchers. Twelve adults with cognitive disabilities and experience of using EPDs participated. An interview guide was implemented covering environmental factors according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Qualitative content analysis was applied in the analyses. Results: Five categories and two themes emerged, which were integrated into a model of facilitating factors influencing the use of EPDs. Measures to prevent or eliminate negative influences of the device use are important to be taken. Conclusions: Professionals need more knowledge about EPDs, while users need individual adaption of the EPDs. EPDs need to be user-friendly, manageable and work in any seasons.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The users should have access to specially trained prescribers.

• There is a need for development of user-friendly and manageable products to function in any climate.

• Knowledge is lacking on how to implement the users in all stages of the prescribing process.

• Prescribers should increase knowledge in the use of EPDs to influence the attitudes of the social environment.

• Cognitive assistive technology
• ICF
• occupational therapy
• qualitative content analysis

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology for funding the data collection. Special thanks to Lydia Springer for examining the translation of the participants’ quotations. The authors would also like to thank the members of the research group of Disability and Habilitation at the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University for valuable comments.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interests. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.