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Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Economics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 45468

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Dr. Thais Pousada

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Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15001 A Coruña, Spain
Interests: assistive technology; low-cost; outcome measures; health behavior, chronic disease and health promotion; innovation and creativity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Emiliano Díez

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Institute for Community Inclusion (INICO), University of Salamanca, 37005 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: outcome measures; assistive technology; design for all people; inclusive education; autism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Assistive technology (AT) refers to a group of resources (objects, instruments, devices, etc.) that provide support for individuals in diverse activities, and thus, they are environmental facilitators to promote autonomy. Despite its great contribution in promoting autonomy, some commercial AT does not always meet the specific needs of the final user. The high cost, lack of information, and lack of consideration of the user during the prescription process make it difficult for the user to access and gain beneficial use from the device. Consideration of the user and his/her family during the acquisition of any AT is fundamental for the product to be effectively incorporated into the user’s life. These individuals are the axis around which the products should be developed.

Through this Special Issue, a broad perspective regarding the potential of a low-cost philosophy and a do-it-yourself movement in the provision of support will be given. We welcome research to improve the design and creation of customized AT so that such products effectively meet the needs of a person engaged in diverse activities and daily chores.

Additionally, in order to demonstrate the evidence emerging from this topic and to optimize the quality of services, several manuscripts will be focused on the application of outcome measures in the field of AT.

Dr. Thais Pousada
Prof. Dr. Emiliano Díez
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

assistive technology
disability
outcome measures
low cost

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fitting Assistive Technology for People with Hearing Loss: The Importance of Remote Microphone Systems′ Electroacoustic Verification

by Regina Tangerino de Souza Jacob, Elaine Cristina Moreto Paccola, Érika Cristina Bucuvic and Manoel Henrique Salgado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413251 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3918

Abstract

The remote microphone system (RMS) must be appropriately working when fitting it in a person with hearing loss. For this verification process, the concept of transparency is adopted. If it is not transparent, the hearing aid (HA) may not capture the user’s voice and his peers appropriately, or the RMS may not have the advantage in gain needed to emphasize the speaker’s voice. This study investigates the influence of the receiver’s gain setting on the transparency of different brands and models of RMS and HAs. It is a retrospective chart review with 277 RMS from three distinct brands (RMA, RMB, and RMC) and HAs. There was an association of the receiver’s gain setting with the variables: brand of the transmitter/receiver (p = 0.005), neck loop’s receiver vs. universal and dedicated receivers (p = 0.022), and between brands of HA and transmitter/receiver (p < 0.001). RMS transmitter (odds ratio [OR = 7.9]) and the type of receiver (neckloop [OR = 3.4]; universal [OR = 0.78]) presented a higher risk of not achieving transparency in default gain, confirming and extolling the need to include electroacoustic verification in the protocol of fitting, verification, and validation of RMS and HA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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17 pages, 3999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flow. A Socially Responsible 3D Printed One-Handed Recorder

by Javier Esclapés, Almudena Gómez and Ana Ibañez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12200; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212200 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2291

Abstract

The recorder is one of the most common instruments used during primary school in the formal education system in the EU. However, there are a percentage of students with only one functional hand. The existing one-handed recorders available for them to be able to play and perform in the same way as their peers are expensive and difficult to use. This study’s purpose is to document the development of Flow—a low cost one-handed recorder as well as the user’s assessment of the psychosocial benefits of the recorder. The methods used for fabrication were 3D modelling and additive manufacturing (AM) technology or 3D printing using the technique of stereolithography, and for the assessment of the product, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) questionnaire was distributed to 20 primary school users. The results show that the use of resins and Stereolithography is appropriate for wind instruments providing quality and strength at a fair price. Flow also proved to have a positive impact on the users and their inclusion in school. The main conclusions of this study underscore the adequacy of using AM for adaptations required for people with disabilities and the positive psychosocial benefits generated by the use of Flow in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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12 pages, 715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating a Low-Cost Technology to Enable People with Intellectual Disability or Psychiatric Disorders to Initiate and Perform Functional Daily Activities

by Emanuela Resta, Lucia Brunone, Fiora D’Amico and Lorenzo Desideri

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189659 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1778

Abstract

People with intellectual disability or psychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunctions may need assistive technology to maintain and improve their levels of functioning and independence. This study assessed a smartphone-based system to remind the user to initiate functional daily activities (e.g., setting a table for lunch) and perform them without the support of a caregiver. The system was evaluated through a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across two groups of participants. During the intervention sessions, the participants were provided with a system involving a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone fitted with the Easy Alarm YouTube application and audio files. The alarm served to remind the participant to carry out a planned activity. Following the reminder, the smartphone presented each of the step instructions preset for the activity. The data showed a statistically significant increase in the number of activities initiated independently from baseline to intervention for all participants. All participants also showed a significant increase in the number of activity steps correctly performed when supported by the smartphone. These results suggest that a low-cost system (i.e., smartphone) can be used to improve independence of people with intellectual disability or psychiatric disorders with cognitive dysfunctions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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22 pages, 505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Physical Exercise and General Mobility in People with Cerebral Palsy: Health through Costless Routines

by Alberto J. Molina-Cantero, Manuel Merino-Monge, Juan A. Castro-García, Thais Pousada-García, David Valenzuela-Muñoz, Juan Gutiérrez-Párraga, Setefilla López-Álvarez and Isabel M. Gómez-González

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179179 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4348

Abstract

Sedentary behavior (SB) is a common problem that may produce health issues in people with cerebral palsy (CP). When added to a progressive reduction in motor functions over time, SB can lead to higher percentages of body fat, muscle stiffness and associated health issues in this population. Regular physical activity (RPA) may prevent the loss of motor skills and reduce health risks. In this work, we analyzed data collected from 40 people (20 children and teenagers, and 20 adults) who attend two specialist centers in Seville to obtain an up-to-date picture regarding the practice of RPA in people with CP. Roughly 60% of the participants showed mostly mid/severe mobility difficulties, while 38% also had communicative issues. Most of the participants performed light-intensity physical activity (PA) at least once or twice a week and, in the majority of cases, had a neutral or positive attitude to exercising. In the Asociación Sevillana de Parálisis Cerebral (ASPACE) sample test, the higher the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the higher the percentage of negative responses to doing exercise. Conversely, in the Centro Específico de Educación Especial Mercedes Sanromá (CEEEMS), people likes PA but slightly higher ratios of positive responses were found at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels V and II, agreeing with the higher personal engagement of people at those levels. We have also performed a literature review regarding RPA in CP and the use of low-cost equipment. As a conclusion, we found that RPA produces enormous benefits for health and motor functions, whatever its intensity and duration. Costless activities such as walking, running or playing sports; exercises requiring low-cost equipment such as elastic bands, certain smartwatches or video-games; or therapies with animals, among many others, have all demonstrated their suitability for such a purpose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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13 pages, 774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices and Other Technologies on Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

by Estíbaliz Jiménez-Arberas and Emiliano Díez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147259 - 07 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

Deaf and hard of hearing people use a variety of assistive devices and technologies as a strategy to mitigate, counter or compensate for life difficulties resulting from hearing loss. Although outcome measures are commonly used with hearing aids, few studies have explored the perceived psychosocial impact of other assistive devices and technologies or the factors leading to their abandonment or lack of use. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact of different assistive devices on deaf and hard of hearing people using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. The sample was made up of 291 individuals, 176 women and 115 men, with an average age of 56.12 years (standard deviation (SD) = 25.11), who were all users of different assistive devices. Overall, the results of the study showed that the use of assistive devices had a positive psychosocial impact, although this impact varied slightly depending on the specific type of device. Moreover, a relationship was identified between the psychosocial impact and the probability of future abandonment of a hearing aid or a cochlear implant. The results point to the importance of considering the psychosocial impact derived from the use of a device as a relevant variable in the adoption process of assistive technologies for deaf and hard of hearing people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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14 pages, 2251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of a Mobile Unit for Remote Cognitive Screening of Isolated Elderly in Rural Areas

by Radia Zeghari, Rachid Guerchouche, Minh Tran Duc, François Bremond, Maria Pascale Lemoine, Vincent Bultingaire, Kai Langel, Zeger De Groote, Francis Kuhn, Emmanuelle Martin, Philippe Robert and Alexandra König

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116108 - 05 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3489

Abstract

Background: Given the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, now more than ever, remote solutions for assessing and monitoring individuals with cognitive impairment are urgently needed. Older adults in particular, living in isolated rural areas or so-called ‘medical deserts’, are facing major difficulties in getting access to diagnosis and care. Telemedical approaches to assessments are promising and seem well accepted, reducing the burden of bringing patients to specialized clinics. However, many older adults are not yet adequately equipped to allow for proper implementation of this technology. A potential solution could be a mobile unit in the form of a van, equipped with the telemedical system which comes to the patients’ home. The aim of this proof-of-concept study is to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of such mobile unit settings for remote cognitive testing. Methods and analysis: eight participants (aged between 69 and 86 years old) from the city of Digne-Les-Bains volunteered for this study. A basic neuropsychological assessment, including a short clinical interview, is administered in two conditions, by telemedicine in a mobile clinic (equipped van) at a participants’ home and face to face in a specialized clinic. The administration procedure order is randomized, and the results are compared with each other. Acceptability and user experience are assessed among participants and clinicians in a qualitative and quantitative manner. Measurements of stress indicators were collected for comparison. Results: The analysis revealed no significant differences in test results between the two administration procedures. Participants were, overall, very satisfied with the mobile clinic experience and found the use of the telemedical system relatively easy. Conclusion: A mobile unit equipped with a telemedical service could represent a solution for remote cognitive testing overcoming barriers in rural areas to access specialized diagnosis and care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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21 pages, 1667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholder Perspectives to Support Graphical User Interface Design for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

by Betania Groba, Laura Nieto-Riveiro, Nereida Canosa, Patricia Concheiro-Moscoso, María del Carmen Miranda-Duro and Javier Pereira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094631 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3405

Abstract

The development of digital supports for people with autism has increased considerably in recent years. Technology designers and developers have interpreted the needs and learning styles of people with autism in different ways. As a result, there are generic, non-specific or heterogeneous guidelines for the design and development of technology for people with autism. This study aims to identify and describe the recommended elements to support graphical user interface design for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), considering the stakeholders’ perspective, engaged in a computer application development. A qualitative, longitudinal, multicentre study was carried out. A sample of 39 participants belonging to four groups of stakeholders participated: children with autism, family members, professionals with experience in the intervention with children with autism, and professionals with expertise in the design and development of assistive technology. The techniques used to formalise the collection of information from participants were semi-structured interviews and observation. MAXQDA 2020 software (Verbi Software, Berlin, Germany) was used to analyse the data. The result is a guide with suggestions to support an interface design that emerges from the stakeholder perspectives. This study provides useful information to offer alternatives for children with ASD and facilitate the understanding of daily life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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15 pages, 500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decision-Making Is in the Making! Aspects of Decision-Making in the Area of Assistive and Welfare Technology—A Qualitative Study

by Katarina Baudin, Angelina Sundström, Johan Borg and Christine Gustafsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084028 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2660

Abstract

Assistive and welfare technology (AT/WT) has been introduced as a way of facing an ageing population and providing support for older adults in their daily lives. There is much research concerning the assessment and recommendation of AT/WT to individual end-users. However, few studies have explored AT/WT decision-making from a managerial perspective. This study explores what aspects influence decision-making in assistive technology organizations concerning new technology procurements. The study is based on interviews with 24 managers engaged in assistive technology organizations, representing 13 of 21 regions in Sweden. The interview data consisted of the participants’ experiences deciding on AT/WT procurement. A reflexive inductive thematic analysis was used to identify aspects that influenced decision-making. The main findings show that decision-making is in the making, meaning that decision-making is a constant on-going managerial process. Furthermore, the findings show that managers experience uncertainty in the decision-making, sometimes make ad hoc decisions and request an evidence-based, person-centred approach to improve decision-making. The study concludes that supportive, technology, patient, and knowledge aspects influence managers’ decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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13 pages, 8375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Low-Cost Assistive Robot for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders to Aid in Daily Living Activities

by Roberto J. López-Sastre, Marcos Baptista-Ríos, Francisco Javier Acevedo-Rodríguez, Soraya Pacheco-da-Costa, Saturnino Maldonado-Bascón and Sergio Lafuente-Arroyo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083974 - 09 Apr 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2651

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new low-cost robotic platform that has been explicitly developed to increase children with neurodevelopmental disorders’ involvement in the environment during everyday living activities. In order to support the children and youth with both the sequencing and learning of everyday living tasks, our robotic platform incorporates a sophisticated online action detection module that is capable of monitoring the acts performed by users. We explain all the technical details that allow many applications to be introduced to support individuals with functional diversity. We present this work as a proof of concept, which will enable an assessment of the impact that the developed technology may have on the collective of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders in the near future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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12 pages, 380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Pilot Study of the Psychosocial Impact of Low-Cost Assistive Technology for Sexual Functioning in People with Acquired Brain Injury

by Estíbaliz Jiménez and Feliciano Ordóñez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073765 - 04 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

People with acquired brain injury (ABI) face limitations when performing activities of daily living, including sexuality. Despite the common use among this group of assistive technology to compensate for or neutralize the limitations deriving from their condition, there is very little literature on outcome measures in assistive technology for sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of the use of low-cost assistive technology in people with ABI. The sample was made up of 18 users: 15 men and 3 women diagnosed with ABI. The PLISSIT model was used, as well as the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale—PIADS as an assessment tool. Three types of low-cost assistive technology were developed: seat cushions, bed equipment, and back supports. All three types of AT obtained positive scores on the PIADS total scale and its three subscales: competence, adaptability, and self-esteem. Although the results of this study are positive, more research into outcome measures for products to improve sexual functioning in people with ABI is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

18 pages, 2297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework for a New Approach to Empower Users Through Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology

by Thais Pousada García, Jessica Garabal-Barbeira, Patricia Porto Trillo, Olalla Vilar Figueira, Cristina Novo Díaz and Javier Pereira Loureiro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063039 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4027

Abstract

Background: Assistive Technology (AT) refers to “assistive products and related systems and services developed for people to maintain or improve functioning and thereby to promote well-being”. Improving the process of design and creation of assistive products is an important step towards strengthening AT provision. Purpose: (1) to present a framework for designing and creating Low-Cost AT; (2) to display the preliminary results and evidence derived from applying the framework. Methodology: First, an evidence-based process was applied to develop and conceptualize the framework. Then, a pilot project to validate the framework was carried out. The sample was formed by 11 people with disabilities. The measure instruments were specific questionnaire, several forms of the Matching Person-Technology model, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale, and a tool to assess the usability and universal design of AT. Results: The framework integrates three phases: Identification (Design), Creation (Making the prototype), and Implementation (Outcome Measures), based on the principles of Design Thinking, and with a user-centered perspective. The preliminary results showed the coherence of the entire process and its applicability. The matching between person and device was high, representing the importance of involving the user in the design and selection of AT. Conclusions: The framework is a guide for professionals and users to apply a Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself perspective to the provision of AT. It highlights the importance of monitoring the entire procedure and measuring the effects, by applying the outcome measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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9 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benefits of a Low-Cost Walking Device in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Qualitative Study

by Isabel Rodríguez-Costa, Irene De la Cruz-López, Ignacio Fernández-Zárate, Saturnino Maldonado-Bascón, Sergio Lafuente-Arroyo and Susana Nunez-Nagy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062808 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2549

Abstract

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) participate less regularly in physical and social activities. Support walkers allow mobility for infants who need aid. The aim of this study is to explore the benefits of a low-cost walking device in children with CP. A qualitative study using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews was conducted. Eight participants (two parents, two educational professionals, and four physical therapists) who live or work with children with CP that use a low-cost walking device were questioned to examine the benefits of the practice. Thematic analysis denoted three key factors about the benefits: emotional welfare, physical wellbeing, and social enjoyment. To conclude, the use of a support walker in children with CP makes them feel happier, improves their self-confidence and autonomy, and promotes participation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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9 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Age on the Touchscreen Manipulation Ability of Community-Dwelling Adults

by Michal Elboim-Gabyzon, Patrice L. Weiss and Alexandra Danial-Saad

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042094 - 21 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

Assessment of touchscreen manipulation skills is essential for determining the abilities of older individuals and the extent to which they may benefit from this technology as a means to enhance participation, self-esteem, and quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the touchscreen manipulation ability between community-dwelling older adults and middle-aged adults using a newly developed Touchscreen Assessment Tool (TATOO) and to determine the usability of this instrument. Convenience samples of two age groups were considered, one including 28 independent community-living older adults aged 81.9 ± 4.2 years with intact or corrected vision and with the abilities to walk independently with or without a walking aid and to understand and follow simple commands, and the other including 25 healthy middle-age adults aged 53.4 ± 5.9 years. The usability assessment was conducted during a single session using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Older adults demonstrated poorer touchscreen skills compared to middle-aged adults. Previous experience in manipulating a smartphone by the older adults did not affect their performance. The SUS results indicated good usability of the TATOO by both age groups. The TATOO shows promise as a user-friendly tool for assessing the specific skills needed to operate touchscreens. The outcomes of this study support the suitability of touchscreen devices and applications as well as the need for adapted accessibility for older adults. Researchers and clinicians will benefit from the availability of a rapid, low-cost, and objective tool to assess the skills required for touchscreen use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

13 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Home Assistant Use and Perceptions of Usefulness by Older Adults and Support Person Dyads

by Cynthia F. Corbett, Elizabeth M. Combs, Pamela J. Wright, Otis L. Owens, Isabel Stringfellow, Thien Nguyen and Catherine R. Van Son

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031113 - 27 Jan 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3631

Abstract

Aim: Describe virtual home assistant use and usefulness from the perspective of older adults and their support persons. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study with older adults and their support persons (n = 10 dyads). Virtual home assistant (VHA) equipment was installed in participants’ homes, and its use was documented for 60 days. Participants received protocol-guided telephone calls to address their VHA questions or problems. The type and frequency of VHA use were summarized with descriptive statistics. End-of-study interviews about VHA use were conducted with dyad participants. Qualitative content analyses were used to describe the interview findings about the dyad’s perceptions of using the VHA, how it was used, any difficulties experienced, and suggestions for future VHA uses. Results: Participant dyads reported positive VHA perceptions, including the potential for VHAs to promote aging in place. Participants discussed the challenges learning the technology and replacing old habits with new ones. Participants offered recommendations for future VHA skills and for more education and training about using the VHA. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that VHAs may be useful for older adults as they age in place and offer reassurance for support persons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technology: New Design and Low Cost. A Challenge to the Future)

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