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The efficacious implementation of robotic assistive technologies must be built on a thorough understanding of stakeholders' experiences and perceptions. This study provides an in-depth insight into the experiences and perceptions of users of the JACO wheelchair-mounted robotic arm and those of their caregivers. A sample of JACO users (n = 21; Female : 6; Male : 15) and caregivers (n = 11; Female: 2; Male: 9) participated in individual interviews used to gain qualitative insight into the impact of JACO on their day-to-day lives. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid deductive-inductive coding process. Thematic analysis was conducted in accordance with the Consortium on Assistive Technology Outcomes Research (CATOR) taxonomy. This article exclusively reports data on the social impact of the JACO wheelchair-mounted robotic arm. In addition, participants completed three questionnaires to gather more objective data for quantitative assessment, these included the Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure (CATOM), a sociodemographic questionnaire, and a home-based questionnaire to assess the social impact of using JACO. Findings pointed to highly varied experiences among participants, including instances of positive, negative, and absence of effects from the use of JACO. Participants' feedback fell within two broad categories, Human Assistance, and Cost and Use of Resources. This study provides nuanced and varied insight into the spectrum of the social impact of using JACO as perceived by users and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of considering each user as an individual with unique experiences and needs. Continued research is needed to assess the generalizability of these findings.
The efficacious implementation of robotic assistive technologies must be built on a thorough understanding of stakeholders' experiences and perceptions. This study provides an in-depth insight into the experiences and perceptions of users of the JACO wheelchair-mounted robotic arm and those of their caregivers. A sample of JACO users (n = 21; Female : 6; Male : 15) and caregivers (n = 11; Female: 2; Male: 9) participated in individual interviews used to gain qualitative insight into the impact of JACO on their day-to-day lives. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid deductive-inductive coding process. Thematic analysis was conducted in accordance with the Consortium on Assistive Technology Outcomes Research (CATOR) taxonomy. This article exclusively reports data on the social impact of the JACO wheelchair-mounted robotic arm. In addition, participants completed three questionnaires to gather more objective data for quantitative assessment, these included the Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure (CATOM), a sociodemographic questionnaire, and a home-based questionnaire to assess the social impact of using JACO. Findings pointed to highly varied experiences among participants, including instances of positive, negative, and absence of effects from the use of JACO. Participants' feedback fell within two broad categories, Human Assistance, and Cost and Use of Resources. This study provides nuanced and varied insight into the spectrum of the social impact of using JACO as perceived by users and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of considering each user as an individual with unique experiences and needs. Continued research is needed to assess the generalizability of these findings.
Background A significant proportion of individuals with disabilities in resource-limited countries require at least 1 assistive technology (AT) device to enhance their functioning and autonomy. However, there is limited evidence regarding the actual needs of AT users in these regions concerning the adequacy of ATs. Objective This research aims to assess the effects of ATs on AT users in a resource-limited country. Methods A cross-sectional study will be conducted in Benin, a sub-Saharan African country, using a nonprobability sample of AT users. Participants will undergo evaluation using standardized tools to assess their psycho-affective status, satisfaction with ATs, perception of the functional effects of ATs, well-being, and quality of life. Additionally, a survey based on the World Health Organization's rATA (rapid assistive technology assessment) tool will be conducted to gather sociodemographic and other data concerning the use of ATs. The findings will be organized and discussed using the Consortium on Assistive Technology Outcomes Research taxonomy, focusing on aspects related to the effectiveness and social significance of ATs, as well as the subjective well-being of AT users. Results The process of identifying potential participants began in August 2024, and data collection is scheduled to start in January 2025 and continue for 12 months. Conclusions This research will provide an overview of the effects induced by the use of ATs, as well as describe the profile of AT users in Benin. To our knowledge, this will be the first study to examine the impact of ATs in Benin. It will therefore make a significant contribution to the existing data on the use of ATs in sub-Saharan Africa. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/60869
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