Abstract
BACKGROUND: Impaired upper extremity function due to muscle paresis or paralysis has a major impact on independent living
and quality of life (QoL). Assistive technology (AT) for upper extremity function (i.e. dynamic arm supports and robotic arms) can
increase a client’s independence. Previous studies revealed that clients often use AT not to their full potential, due to suboptimal
provision of these devices in usual care.
OBJECTIVE: To optimize the process of providing AT for impaired upper extremity function and to evaluate its (cost-)
effectiveness compared with care as usual.
METHODS: Development of a protocol to guide the AT provision process in an optimized way according to generic Dutch
guidelines; a quasi-experimental study with non-randomized, consecutive inclusion of a control group (n = 48) receiving care as
usual and of an intervention group (optimized provision process) (n = 48); and a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from
societal perspective will be performed. The primary outcome is clients’ satisfaction with the AT and related services, measured
with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (Dutch version; D-QUEST). Secondary outcomes comprise complaints
of the upper extremity, restrictions in activities, QoL, medical consumption and societal cost. Measurements are taken at baseline
and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up.
and quality of life (QoL). Assistive technology (AT) for upper extremity function (i.e. dynamic arm supports and robotic arms) can
increase a client’s independence. Previous studies revealed that clients often use AT not to their full potential, due to suboptimal
provision of these devices in usual care.
OBJECTIVE: To optimize the process of providing AT for impaired upper extremity function and to evaluate its (cost-)
effectiveness compared with care as usual.
METHODS: Development of a protocol to guide the AT provision process in an optimized way according to generic Dutch
guidelines; a quasi-experimental study with non-randomized, consecutive inclusion of a control group (n = 48) receiving care as
usual and of an intervention group (optimized provision process) (n = 48); and a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from
societal perspective will be performed. The primary outcome is clients’ satisfaction with the AT and related services, measured
with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (Dutch version; D-QUEST). Secondary outcomes comprise complaints
of the upper extremity, restrictions in activities, QoL, medical consumption and societal cost. Measurements are taken at baseline
and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 207-220 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Technology and Disability |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2021 |