Development of an Assistive Technology Intervention for Community Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Aim: To explore the use of the Ecological Validity Model as a guiding framework in the provision of a culturally sensitive assistive technology (AT) intervention for community older people. Methods: Twenty-seven Hispanic adults aged 70 years and older and four individuals with expertise in AT participated in a concurrent nested mixed method study where the quantitative method (content validity ratio exercise) was embedded in the dominant qualitative method (focus groups). Results: Findings informed the development of the Assistive Technology Life Enhancement Program (ATLEP), an intervention consisting of seven modules addressing AT devices with culturally sensitive elements. Conclusions: The Ecological Validity Model, as well as the input from older adults, were both effective methodological strategies in tailoring the ATLEP intervention to the needs and circumstances of community-living older people living in Puerto Rico.

KEYWORDS:

• Older adults
• assistive technology
• disability
• independent living

Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to all participants without whom this study would not be possible. The authors also thank Ana L. Colón-Arce for her important contributions in the translation of the manuscript and Dr. Deana Hallman for providing editorial support.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Funding

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), [R25MD007607] in collaboration with Puerto Rico Clinical and Translational Research Consortium (PRCTRC) [8U54 MD 007587-03]. Its content are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH, NIMHD, or PRCTRC. Dr. Nelson Varas-Díaz was supported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) (1K02DA035122-01A1).