Authors (including presenting author) :
So WS, Wong SWA, Po YT, Ku WNH
Affiliation :
Occupational Therapy Department, Yan Chai Hospital
Introduction :
Occupational Therapists (OTs) apply home modification and assistive devices to facilitate patients live at home safely and more independently. Advance in technology and innovative design concepts have bloomed the invention of assistive devices and new design to help people live smartly. However, it is often difficult for patients and carers to visualize how the fast-changing technology meets their unique needs at their home or upon discharge. Hence, setting up a user-friendly unit with integration of updated assistive devices and design is important to facilitate this OTs’ daily practice.
Objectives :
(1) To enhance the existing service in OT department with focus on home accident prevention and dementia care to facilitate patients living safe and smart at home. (2) To evaluate the effectiveness of “SMART@Home” in OT practice.
Methodology :
“SMART@Home” project was started in June, 2019. Updated assistive devices and design such as light and alarm system with motion sensor, monitoring system, fluorescent handrails and non-slip tape, etc. were set up in suitable locations in OT department. Training was provided to all OTs on project application in November. Patients with service needs were recruited. Two satisfaction surveys with a six-point scale were used to collected OTs and patients/carers’ feedback. Patients/carers’ recommendation of “SMART@Home” to others was also included.
Result & Outcome :
From November 2019 to January 2020, total 9 visits led by 3 OTs were completed. 10 patients and 11 carers have visited “SMART@Home” and completed the satisfaction survey. 6 participants were recruited from Ortho-rehabilitation ward and Geriatric day hospital each for home accident prevention. 9 participants were recruited from medical out-patient for dementia care. All patients were aged above 60. 95% of participants and all OTs agreed that it was important in real utilization in set up. All participants agreed “SMART@Home” would help patients living safely and smartly. More than 89% of participants agreed that the devices and design were easily accessible, set up and apply. Meanwhile, all OTs agreed that “SMART@Home” helped them in explaining and demonstrating devices and design. “SMART@Home” can effectively facilitate OTs’ daily practice to prescribe assistive devices and home modification design to patients with fall risk or cognitive impairment and to help patient to live more safely, smartly and independently at home.
