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Powered feeding devices: an evaluation of three models
R P Hermann1, A C Phalangas, R M Mahoney
1A. I. duPont Hospital for Children/University of Delaware Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|October 20, 1999
Summary
Disabled individuals requiring feeding assistance found powered feeding devices an improvement. Most participants and assistants indicated a willingness to use these assistive technologies daily.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Individuals with disabilities often require assistance with eating.
- Powered feeding devices offer potential solutions for improving eating independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare three powered feeding devices (Beeson, Handy 1, Winsford).
- To assess user and assistant perceptions of functional and esthetic characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A balanced crossover design was used with 12 subjects (ages 11-42) and their feeding assistants.
- Each device was trialed over 4 days, including home use and laboratory debriefing with questionnaires and videotaping.
- Questionnaires assessed functional and esthetic features using Likert-like rankings and yes/no responses.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were identified among the three powered feeding devices based on specific design characteristics.
- A high percentage of both subjects and their feeding assistants reported the devices as an improvement over current feeding methods.
- The majority expressed intent to use such a device on a daily basis.
Conclusions:
- Powered feeding devices show promise for enhancing the eating experience and independence of individuals reliant on feeding assistance.
- User and assistant feedback is crucial for the development and adoption of effective assistive feeding technologies.