http://hdl.handle.net/10468/376 2013-05-23T01:29:15Z 2013-05-23T01:29:15Z Verdonck, Michèle Claire http://hdl.handle.net/10468/582 2012-07-11T02:00:24Z 2012-05-01T00:00:00Z

The meaning of environmental control systems (ECS) for people with spinal cord injury: An occupational therapist explores an intervention Verdonck, Michèle Claire Environmental Control Systems (ECS), enable people with high cervical Spinal Cord Injury (high SCI) to control and access everyday electronic devices. In Ireland, however, access for those who might benefit from ECS is limited. This study used a qualitative approach to explore the insider experience of an ECS starter-pack developed by the author, an occupational therapist. The primary research questions: what is it really like to live with ECS, and what does it mean to live with ECS, were explored using a phenomenological methodology conducted in three phases. In Phase 1 fifteen people with high SCI met twice in four focus groups to discuss experiences and expectations of ECS. Thematic analysis (Krueger & Casey, 2000), influenced by the psychological phenomenological approach (Creswell, 1998), yielded three categories of rich, practical, phenomenological findings: ECS Usage and utility; ECS Expectations and The meaning of living with ECS. Phase 1 findings informed Phase 2 which consisted of the development of a generic electronic assistive technology pack (GrEAT) that included commercially available constituents as well as short instructional videos and an information booklet. This second phase culminated in a one-person, three-week pilot trial. Phase 3 involved a six person, 8-week trial of the GrEAT, followed by individual in-depth interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis IPA (Smith, Larkin & Flowers, 2009), aided by computer software ATLAS.ti and iMindmap, guided data analysis and identification of themes. Getting used to ECS, experienced as both a hassle and engaging, resulted in participants being able to Take back a little of what you have lost, which involved both feeling enabled and reclaiming a little doing. The findings of this study provide substantial insights into what it is like to live with ECS and the meanings attributed to that experience. Several practical, real world implications are discussed.

2012-05-01T00:00:00Z Verdonck, Michèle Claire Chard, Gill Nolan, Maeve http://hdl.handle.net/10468/503 2012-07-11T02:00:36Z 2011-05-01T00:00:00Z

Electronic aids to daily living: be able to do what you want Verdonck, Michèle Claire; Chard, Gill; Nolan, Maeve Purpose. This study explores the experiences of Irish people with high cervical spinal cord injuries living with electronic aids to daily living (EADL) and the meaning attributed to such systems in the context of participation in everyday life. Method. Qualitative methodology using a phenomenological approach was used to explore the phenomenon of living with EADL. Data were collected using four focus groups of users and nonusers of EADL (n = 15). All participants had high cervical spinal cord injuries (C3-5). Groups were video recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive phenomenological analysis. Findings. Findings revealed key elements of the meaning of living with EADL. Two key themes, time alone and changed relationships are described. These contribute to the super ordinate theme of autonomy. Findings suggest that participants perceived improvements in both anticipated and actual lived experiences with EADL. Themes are interrelated and together represent a summary of the experience of living with environmental controls. The themes described are similar to those found in other spinal injury studies relating to quality of life. Conclusions. Findings highlight differences in life experiences for those with and without EADL and provides motivation to address this difference. Such insights are valuable for both users and providers of EADL.

2011-05-01T00:00:00Z Verdonck, Michèle Claire McCormack, Cathy Chard, Gill http://hdl.handle.net/10468/590 2012-07-11T02:00:24Z 2011-04-01T00:00:00Z

Irish occupational therapists' views of electronic assistive technology Verdonck, Michèle Claire; McCormack, Cathy; Chard, Gill Introduction: Electronic assistive technology (EAT) includes computers, environmental control systems and information technology systems and is widely considered to be an important part of present-day life. Method: Fifty-six Irish community occupational therapists completed a questionnaire on EAT. All surveyed were able to identify the benefits of EAT. Results: While respondents reported that they should be able to assess for and prescribe EATs, only a third (19) were able to do so, and half (28) had not been able to do so in the past. Community occupational therapists identified themselves as havinga role in a multidisciplinary team to assess for and prescribe EAT. Conclusion: Results suggest that it is important for occupational therapists to have up-to-date knowledge and training in assistive and computer technologies in order to respond to the occupational needs of clients.

2011-04-01T00:00:00Z Verdonck, Michèle Claire http://hdl.handle.net/10468/579 2012-07-11T02:00:21Z 2009-05-20T00:00:00Z

The GrEAT pack: generic electronic assistive technology environmental control system - information booklet Verdonck, Michèle Claire This is a user manual for your electronic assistive technology environmental control system trial pack or in simple words – a few bits of technology that can let you control some household appliances. This information is intended for you, your family and carers.

2009-05-20T00:00:00Z