Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Julie Grabanski

Keywords

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Self-Help Devices; Case Reports

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop a manual for occupational therapists and caregivers that provides assistive technology suggestions to address the needs of an individual with ALS at each stage of the disease.

Methods: An extensive literature review was completed on ALS and assistive technology to examine the effects of ALS, course of progression of the disease, variations of the disease, and signs and symptoms. Multiple online databases were utilized including: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, Google Scholar, and OT search. Further literature reviewed included current assistive technology individuals with ALS found useful related to communication, mobility, and leisure engagement.

Results: The ALS assistive technology manual was created based on the Ecology of Human Performance Model of Occupational Performance for OT practitioners. The product, Assistive Technology to Enhance Occupations during Stages of ALS, provides the OT and caregiver with information related to ALS and the progression of the disease throughout the areas of communication, mobility, home modification, and leisure engagement.

Conclusion: The manual was created for practicing occupational therapists, other members of the health care team, and caretakers of individuals with ALS. The manual is not inclusive of all assistive technology (AT) options throughout the areas of communication, mobility, home modifications, and leisure engagement, but provides a comprehensive list of common and researched AT to increase performance range within the individual.

Download

Share

COinS