People with spinal cord injuries (SCI), and particularly with high level lesions, can potentially lose the ability to effectively operate computers. The Multimedia Authoring and Management using your Eyes and Mind (MAMEM) project aims to design and produce a novel assistive device to support computer use by individuals with SCI and other disabilities. The solution harnesses eye tracking and brain waves, as measured by encephalography (EEG), to manipulate common computer functions. This paper describes the first step in the project, during which we defined clinically related requirements of the assistive device. These definitions were based on data from three sources: (1) a narrative review; (2) a focus group of SCI rehabilitation professionals; and (3) structured questionnaires administrated to potential computer users with SCI, addressing computer-use habits, barriers, and needs. We describe both the collection of data from each source and the clinically related requirements extracted. The novel three-source requirement assessment method is discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each data source are reported. In conclusion, we suggest that this approach makes it possible to organize, discuss, and prioritize the requirements, and to create a work program while planning the device. This increases our level of certainty that the efficacy and adequacy of the assistive device will be maximized, in terms of the clinical needs of users.

This study aims to describe and compare functional trajectories (i.e., participation versus basic daily function) from pre-hospitalization period to one and three-months post-discharge, among older adults hospitalized for acute medical illness, of two age groups: ages 65-75, n=39, >75, n=38. A Prospective longitudinal study was conducted, starting during hospitalization in internal ward and followed by home visits (1 month) and telephone interviews (3 months). Participation was measured by the Activity Card Sort (ACS) that queries about instrumental (e.g. shopping), leisure (e.g. physical activity), and social activities. Basic daily function was measured by the Modified Barthel Index (mBI). Wilcoxon test was used to compare between the ACS and mBI total retained scores within age groups. A mixed model repeated measures ANCOVA was used to compare time by group effects in ACS total scores. The results showed that basic function in both age groups was preserved, and both groups experienced a significantly greater decrease in participation level compared with basic function at one month (z=-4.1, p=.001, z=-4.5, p=.001) and at three months (z=-4.1, p=.001, z=-4.1, p=.001) in the “younger” and “older” groups, respectively. Participation trajectories were similar among age groups, however, the “older” group experienced a significantly greater decrease in participation (F(1)=(4.3), p=.042, η2= .056). Findings indicate that the traditional measure of basic function does not capture the broad spectrum of older adults’ full life and overshadows the reduced participation in meaningful activities. Health care professionals should adopt a comprehensive approach toward functional assessment to encompass participation beyond basic daily function.