Title: An interdisciplinary approach to evaluating the need for assistive 
technology reduces equipment abandonment
Authors: Verza R, Carvalho MLL, Battaglia MA, Uccelli MM
Source: Multiple Sclerosis 12 (1): 88-93 FEB 2006

Abstract: Assistive technology makes up a substantial portion of the direct
cost of multiple sclerosis (MS). Equipment abandonment results in the needs
of the disabled individual being unmet and places stress on the resources
available for the funding of such equipment. The aim of the study was to
demonstrate whether an interdisciplinary approach to evaluating and
prescribing assistive technology reduces equipment abandonment in persons
with MS. Data concerning assistive devices acquired by patients being
followed at a rehabilitation centre in northern Italy from January 1997 to
December 2002, were included in the study. Through December 1999, a physician
in physical medicine and rehabilitation prescribed equipment based on a
recommendation from the physical therapist. From 2000 to 2002, patients were
evaluated following a standardized protocol implemented by an
interdisciplinary team comprised of a physical therapist, occupational
therapist, physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation and
psychologist. Assistive technology obtained during the study period was
divided into two datasets based on the year that the aid was obtained:
pre-intervention (January 1997 to December 1999) and intervention (January
2000 to December 2002). The analysis included a comparison of the two
datasets on number and types of equipment abandoned, timing of abandonment
and reasons why devices were abandoned. Fifty-four subjects obtained 151
assistive devices during the study period, 67 devices during pre-intervention
and 84 with the intervention. The majority of devices were abandoned
immediately or within the first year following obtainment in both groups. A
comparison of the number of devices obtained during pre-intervention with
those obtained during the intervention showed that the rate of equipment
abandonment decreased significantly from 37.3 to 9.5%. An interdisciplinary
approach to evaluating assistive technology needs does decrease the risk of
equipment abandonment, although it does not completely solve the problem. 

Contributed by: Heidi Koester

From:
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/arn/ms/2006/00000012/00000001/art00012