Training older adults with low vision to use a computer tablet: A feasibility study

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this feasibility study was to investigate the potential use of a computer tablet as a low vision device to facilitate performance of and satisfaction with daily activities for older adults with low vision.

Method

A repeated measures design was used to measure outcomes. Four older adult women with low vision completed 10 weekly sessions of group training in tablet use. The feasibility of this research method and intervention was examined by evaluating recruitment capability, data collection procedures, outcome measures, intervention procedures, resources, and preliminary responses to intervention.

Results

The four participants were all women, with a mean age of 74.25 years (68–81). Visual acuity ranged from 20/160 to 20/4000. Mean change in performance and satisfaction on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were 3.45 and 3.65, respectively. Daily tablet use increased from 15 minutes at pretest to 3 hours at posttest to 4.5 hours at follow-up.

Conclusion

Group training in computer tablet use for older adults with low vision shows promise to improve performance and satisfaction in a variety of daily activities. With appropriate resources, the research method is feasible for a larger study examining this community-based intervention for older adults with low vision.

Keywords

Low vision older adults assistive technology computer tablet technology internet

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Blaylock

Barstow

Vogtle

(2015) Understanding the occupational performance experiences of individuals with low vision. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 78(7): 412–421.

Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (2015) Responsiveness of the COPM. Available at: http://www.thecopm.ca/casestudy/responsiveness-of-the-copm/ (accessed 7 January 2016).

Chu YKC, Kaldenberg J and Huefner K (2009) The Elder's Right to Sight Collaborative: A new model of eye care delivery for the elderly. Optometry 80(11): 651–656.

DePoy

Gitlin

(2011) Introduction to Research: Understanding and Applying Multiple Strategies, Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Mosby.

Dougherty

Kehler

Jamara

(2011) Abandonment of low-vision devices in an outpatient population. Optometry and Vision Science 88(11): 1283–1287.

Fok

Polgar

Shaw

(2011) Low vision assistive technology device usage and importance in daily occupations. Work 39(1): 37–58.

Hill

McVay

Walter-Ginzburg

(2005) Validation of a Brief Screen for Cognitive Impairment (BSCI) administered by telephone for use in the medicare population. Disease Management 8(4): 223–234.

Kaldenberg

Smallfield

(2013) Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Older Adults with Low Vision, Bethesda, MD: The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Law

Baptiste

Carswell

(2005) Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Ontario, Canada: Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

10.

McGrath

Rudman

(2013) Factors that influence the occupational engagement of older adults with low vision: A scoping review. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 76(5): 234–241.

11.

Mann

Goodall

Justiss

(2002) Dissatisfaction and nonuse of assistive devices among frail elders. Assistive Technology 14(2): 130–139.

12.

Miller R and Anderson M (2013) iPad accessibility. Available at: http://osb.k12.ok.us/wp-content/uploads/iPad-Accessibility-Booklet-Graphics.pdf (accessed 25 February 2016).

13.

Orsmond

Cohn

(2015) The distinctive features of a feasibility study: Objectives and guiding questions. OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health 35(3): 169–177.

14.

Prevent Blindness America (2013) The economic burden of vision loss and eye disorders in the United States. Available at: http://costofvision.preventblindness.org/costs (accessed 8 January 2016).

15.

Schiller J, Lucas J and Peregoy J (2012) Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National health interview survey, 2011. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_256.pdf (accessed 8 January 2016).

16.

Smallfield

Clem

Myers

(2013) Occupational therapy interventions to improve the reading ability of older adults with low vision: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 67(3): 288–295.

17.

Smallfield

Haag

Poston

(2014) Promoting social participation: Teaching technology to older adults. OT Practice 19(14): 13–16.

18.

Social Security Administration (2010) Social security handbook: 507. Definition of disability for disabled worker's benefits. Available at: https://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.05/handbook-0507.html (accessed 14 March 2016).

19.

World Health Organization (2014) Visual impairment and blindness. Available at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/ (accessed 10 April 2016).

20.

Yesavage

Brink

Rose

(1983) Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychiatric Research 17(1): 37–49.