International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology, Jul 21, 2010
... K, Grant D, Goodman K. Development and preliminary assessment of the measurement properties o... more ... K, Grant D, Goodman K. Development and preliminary assessment of the measurement properties of the ... Development of a Screening Tool for Safe Wheelchair Seating. ... of the Delphi Technique for developing national clinical guidelines for prescription of lower-limb prostheses. ...
Assistive Technology Practitioners are often engaged in research, evaluation and other reporting ... more Assistive Technology Practitioners are often engaged in research, evaluation and other reporting activities, but struggle to complete publications reporting the work. This paper presents three evidence-based strategies for increasing writing output: (i) write to a structure; (ii) use snacks and sprints, and (iii) get social. These strategies may be useful for AT Practitioners wanting to increase their writing output.
This paper provides an overview of research to develop a new questionnaire testing mobile shower ... more This paper provides an overview of research to develop a new questionnaire testing mobile shower commode usability. It describes the methodology used to develop the questionnaire, and reports significant findings that have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Implications of the research and recommendations for further research on mobile shower commode usability are discussed.
The modified System Usability Scale (SUS) is a widely used generic measure of product usability. ... more The modified System Usability Scale (SUS) is a widely used generic measure of product usability. This study concerns the usability of mobile shower commodes using correlations between the SUS and AT device-specific measures. Results suggest the modified SUS, and corresponding adjective-anchored rating scale, are appropriate for measuring MSC usability, and have potential for use with other AT devices.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Sep 5, 2013
The purpose of this article is to explore the use of Mobile Shower Commodes (MSCs) by adults with... more The purpose of this article is to explore the use of Mobile Shower Commodes (MSCs) by adults with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and to understand how adults with SCI and expert clinicians identify and select MSC designs and features. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adults with SCI and eight expert clinical prescribers using semi-structured guides. Transcripts were analysed thematically using the Policy, Human, Activity, Assistance and Technology, and Environment (PHAATE) model as the underpinning theoretical framework. Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed 3 themes and 12 sub-themes. The main themes were: (1) Activities, routines and interacting factors, (2) Features for functioning and (3) Getting it right. Substantial links existed between and across the themes and subthemes. The use of MSCs by adults with SCI is complex. MSC performance varies across activities, and during interactions between the user, the MSC, other assistive technologies, assistance and physical environments. Future studies should explore service delivery processes and develop validated clinical assessment instruments and outcome measures for MSC provision. Implications for Rehabilitation Mobile shower commode use is complex, involving nine distinct activities and three types of routines. Mobile shower commodes used by Australian adults with SCI are individualised to users and include customisations and custom-made components. Trialling individualised mobile shower commodes prior to funding is problematic and not reflected in assistive service delivery models. Validated clinical instruments for assessing and selecting mobile shower commode features are needed.
Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, Aug 19, 2015
This paper proposes usability-for-one as a new conceptual framework for understanding usability a... more This paper proposes usability-for-one as a new conceptual framework for understanding usability as it relates to Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (R&AT). It argues that just as ergonomics for individual R&AT users is practiced as ergonomics-for-one, usability as it relates to individual R&AT users can be conceptualised as usability-for-one. The implications for R&AT service delivery and research are discussed.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Jul 25, 2012
The purpose of this article is to explore evidence concerning clinical assessment, design and per... more The purpose of this article is to explore evidence concerning clinical assessment, design and performance testing of mobile shower commodes used by adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Searches of electronic databases, conference proceedings and key journals were undertaken with no restriction on language or study design. Keywords included spinal cord injury, lesion, sanichair, sanitary chair, shower chair, bowel chair and commode. A total of 20 publications were included in this review. Common approaches to clinical assessments were questionnaires and observational analysis to assess bowel care routines, function and skin integrity. Design features addressed access for bowel care, postural support, transfers, stability, use in wet environments and skin integrity. Objective performance measures addressed requirements for static stability, backward-sloping seat angles, arm supports and seat materials. Evidence reviewed was of low methodological quality and lacking in validated instruments to guide clinical practice. Further high-quality research is needed to identify bathing, showering and personal hygiene tasks affecting mobile shower commodes use and to develop validated clinical assessment tools. Performance testing to published standards is also needed.
ABSTRACT This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health ... more ABSTRACT This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), undertaking a project investigating a unique Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) intervention. We outline the journey from the initial, clinician-generated idea through to a researchable project proposal and research implementation using steps outlined in practitioner research literature. This single case study shows that with the right support, practitioner researchers are able to identify, develop and implement clinically-relevant research projects.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Nov 17, 2014
Abstract A review of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering ide... more Abstract A review of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering identified at least 15 separate terms across all studies, with another two identified in subsequent studies. Terms are often used interchangeably, and are often not defined or described. Inconsistencies in terminology affect the quality of evidence available to policy makers, researchers and clinicians. Researchers are encouraged to provide clear definitions and descriptions of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering under investigation. Implications for Rehabilitation At least 17 different terms have been identified for assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering. Inconsistencies in terminology make comparisons between studies difficult, and therefore affect the quality of evidence available to policy makers, researchers and clinicians. Providing clear definitions and descriptions of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering under investigation is encouraged.
This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health District ... more This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), undertaking a project investigating a unique Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) intervention. We outline the journey from the initial, clinician-generated idea through to a researchable project proposal and research implementation using steps outlined in practitioner research literature. This single case study shows that with the right support, practitioner researchers are able to identify, develop and implement clinically-relevant research projects.
International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology, Jul 21, 2010
... K, Grant D, Goodman K. Development and preliminary assessment of the measurement properties o... more ... K, Grant D, Goodman K. Development and preliminary assessment of the measurement properties of the ... Development of a Screening Tool for Safe Wheelchair Seating. ... of the Delphi Technique for developing national clinical guidelines for prescription of lower-limb prostheses. ...
Assistive Technology Practitioners are often engaged in research, evaluation and other reporting ... more Assistive Technology Practitioners are often engaged in research, evaluation and other reporting activities, but struggle to complete publications reporting the work. This paper presents three evidence-based strategies for increasing writing output: (i) write to a structure; (ii) use snacks and sprints, and (iii) get social. These strategies may be useful for AT Practitioners wanting to increase their writing output.
This paper provides an overview of research to develop a new questionnaire testing mobile shower ... more This paper provides an overview of research to develop a new questionnaire testing mobile shower commode usability. It describes the methodology used to develop the questionnaire, and reports significant findings that have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Implications of the research and recommendations for further research on mobile shower commode usability are discussed.
The modified System Usability Scale (SUS) is a widely used generic measure of product usability. ... more The modified System Usability Scale (SUS) is a widely used generic measure of product usability. This study concerns the usability of mobile shower commodes using correlations between the SUS and AT device-specific measures. Results suggest the modified SUS, and corresponding adjective-anchored rating scale, are appropriate for measuring MSC usability, and have potential for use with other AT devices.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Sep 5, 2013
The purpose of this article is to explore the use of Mobile Shower Commodes (MSCs) by adults with... more The purpose of this article is to explore the use of Mobile Shower Commodes (MSCs) by adults with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and to understand how adults with SCI and expert clinicians identify and select MSC designs and features. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adults with SCI and eight expert clinical prescribers using semi-structured guides. Transcripts were analysed thematically using the Policy, Human, Activity, Assistance and Technology, and Environment (PHAATE) model as the underpinning theoretical framework. Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed 3 themes and 12 sub-themes. The main themes were: (1) Activities, routines and interacting factors, (2) Features for functioning and (3) Getting it right. Substantial links existed between and across the themes and subthemes. The use of MSCs by adults with SCI is complex. MSC performance varies across activities, and during interactions between the user, the MSC, other assistive technologies, assistance and physical environments. Future studies should explore service delivery processes and develop validated clinical assessment instruments and outcome measures for MSC provision. Implications for Rehabilitation Mobile shower commode use is complex, involving nine distinct activities and three types of routines. Mobile shower commodes used by Australian adults with SCI are individualised to users and include customisations and custom-made components. Trialling individualised mobile shower commodes prior to funding is problematic and not reflected in assistive service delivery models. Validated clinical instruments for assessing and selecting mobile shower commode features are needed.
Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation, Aug 19, 2015
This paper proposes usability-for-one as a new conceptual framework for understanding usability a... more This paper proposes usability-for-one as a new conceptual framework for understanding usability as it relates to Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (R&AT). It argues that just as ergonomics for individual R&AT users is practiced as ergonomics-for-one, usability as it relates to individual R&AT users can be conceptualised as usability-for-one. The implications for R&AT service delivery and research are discussed.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Jul 25, 2012
The purpose of this article is to explore evidence concerning clinical assessment, design and per... more The purpose of this article is to explore evidence concerning clinical assessment, design and performance testing of mobile shower commodes used by adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Searches of electronic databases, conference proceedings and key journals were undertaken with no restriction on language or study design. Keywords included spinal cord injury, lesion, sanichair, sanitary chair, shower chair, bowel chair and commode. A total of 20 publications were included in this review. Common approaches to clinical assessments were questionnaires and observational analysis to assess bowel care routines, function and skin integrity. Design features addressed access for bowel care, postural support, transfers, stability, use in wet environments and skin integrity. Objective performance measures addressed requirements for static stability, backward-sloping seat angles, arm supports and seat materials. Evidence reviewed was of low methodological quality and lacking in validated instruments to guide clinical practice. Further high-quality research is needed to identify bathing, showering and personal hygiene tasks affecting mobile shower commodes use and to develop validated clinical assessment tools. Performance testing to published standards is also needed.
ABSTRACT This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health ... more ABSTRACT This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), undertaking a project investigating a unique Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) intervention. We outline the journey from the initial, clinician-generated idea through to a researchable project proposal and research implementation using steps outlined in practitioner research literature. This single case study shows that with the right support, practitioner researchers are able to identify, develop and implement clinically-relevant research projects.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Nov 17, 2014
Abstract A review of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering ide... more Abstract A review of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering identified at least 15 separate terms across all studies, with another two identified in subsequent studies. Terms are often used interchangeably, and are often not defined or described. Inconsistencies in terminology affect the quality of evidence available to policy makers, researchers and clinicians. Researchers are encouraged to provide clear definitions and descriptions of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering under investigation. Implications for Rehabilitation At least 17 different terms have been identified for assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering. Inconsistencies in terminology make comparisons between studies difficult, and therefore affect the quality of evidence available to policy makers, researchers and clinicians. Providing clear definitions and descriptions of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering under investigation is encouraged.
This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health District ... more This paper describes the work of one research team in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), undertaking a project investigating a unique Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) intervention. We outline the journey from the initial, clinician-generated idea through to a researchable project proposal and research implementation using steps outlined in practitioner research literature. This single case study shows that with the right support, practitioner researchers are able to identify, develop and implement clinically-relevant research projects.
Proceedings of the 35th International Seating Symposium, 2019
The electronic Mobile shower commode ASessment Tool (eMAST 1.0) is a newly-validated questionnair... more The electronic Mobile shower commode ASessment Tool (eMAST 1.0) is a newly-validated questionnaire for assessing the usability of mobile shower commodes (Friesen, Theodoros, & Russell, 2016). The eMAST 1.0 was developed using a standardized methodology for creating health measurement scales, and underwent a preliminary psychometric evaluation with a sample of Australian adults with spinal cord injury (Friesen, Theodoros, & Russell, 2016). The purpose of this paper is to describe potential use of the eMAST 1.0 to capture and document end-user experiences during all stages of MSC service delivery. Specifically, this paper explores ways in the eMAST 1.0 can be used to document current MSC usability during initial assessments, to compare and differentiate between different specifications during MSC usability trials, as a means to generate evidence for reimbursement and funding, and to follow-up on MSC usability after short- or long-term use. After reading this paper, readers will be able to: 1. Describe nine major activities people may undertake when using mobile shower commodes, and at least ten major MSC features that impact these activities; 2. Identify the three sections of the eMAST 1.0, and explain the rating criteria for sections on MSC features and MSC performance; and 3. Recognize four instances where the eMAST 1.0 can be used to assess MSC usability during routine service delivery processes.
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Papers by Emma L Friesen
After reading this paper, readers will be able to:
1. Describe nine major activities people may undertake when using mobile shower commodes, and at least ten major MSC features that impact these activities;
2. Identify the three sections of the eMAST 1.0, and explain the rating criteria for sections on MSC features and MSC performance; and
3. Recognize four instances where the eMAST 1.0 can be used to assess MSC usability during routine service delivery processes.