Assistive technology and active aging according to professionals working in community groups

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Assistive technology (AT) plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and independence for the elderly.
• Understanding professional knowledge is key to effective AT implementation in elder care.
• Gaps in knowledge can hinder the optimal utilization of AT for geriatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge level of healthcare professionals regarding assistive technology.
• To explore the perceived importance of assistive technology in the daily lives of elderly individuals.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to assistive technology adoption among professionals working with the elderly.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted.
• Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with 45 professionals across three community groups.
• Content Analysis Technique was employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Four key categories emerged: professionals' knowledge of AT, lack of awareness regarding available AT for the elderly, current AT usage by the elderly, and the impact of AT on professional practices.
• A significant portion of professionals demonstrated limited or incorrect understanding of AT, confusing it with general work instruments.
• While some professionals recognized the positive impact of AT, there's a clear need for enhanced training.

Conclusions:

• Professional knowledge of assistive technology is varied, with some misinterpreting its definition.
• Despite positive impacts on practice, inadequate training limits the effective use of AT for the elderly.
• Targeted professional development is essential to maximize the benefits of assistive technology for older adults.