Title:
Design and Evaluation of an Assistive Technology Prescription Tool for Novice Occupational Therapists
Design and Evaluation of an Assistive Technology Prescription Tool for Novice Occupational Therapists
Author(s)
Shenai, Shreya
Advisor(s)
Aflatoony, Leila
Editor(s)
Collections
Supplementary to
Permanent Link
Abstract
Prescribing assistive technologies (ATs) is a common task for occupational therapists (OTs) to support people with impairments and disabilities in their daily living activities. However, providing AT prescriptions can be challenging for novice OTs as the process is deeply embedded in gaining tacit knowledge through clinical experiences and knowledge-sharing over time. In this study, we developed a web-based AR platform to support novice OTs’ decision-making process with prescribing ATs. The tool provides a step-by-step process grounded in OTs’ clinical reasoning and strategies for identifying appropriate ATs for their clients.
We used an iterative approach that included semi-structured interviews with expert OTs and OTs in academia, co-designing with novice OT practitioners using low-fidelity prototypes of the tool, and evaluating a proof-of-concept prototype of the tool for usability, satisfaction and usefulness through a user study with ten novice OT practitioners. We found that the tool supports novice OTs (e.g., OT students or recent graduates) in their profession, particularly AT prescription. Data analysis from the user study indicates benefits of the tool in the OT community and in the future AT prescription tools for novice OTs.
Sponsor
Date Issued
2022-05-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Thesis