The search for a suitable outcome measure for use in evaluating the outcome of provision of an environmental control system

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the journey, by the Access to Communication and Technology (ACT) Service, towards a suitable measure for use in evaluating the outcome of provision of an environmental control (EC) system.

Design/methodology/approach

This journey has involved various approaches and methodologies. A literature search together with qualitative research, by the first author, demonstrated that the power of EC provision lies in the psycho‐social domain. Subsequently, ACT evaluated the 26‐item Psycho‐social Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), as a research project. This was deemed to be not fit for the purpose of outcome measure in routine clinical practice. During the course of this ACT research project, a shortened version of PIADS (the PIADS‐10) was developed at the University of Western Ontario.

Findings

ACT has concluded that the PIADS‐10 is more likely to be fit for purpose, as it is shorter, more understandable for the patient, and easier for the clinician to administer.

Originality/value

Service providers and commissioners should consider PIADS‐10 as a means to evaluate outcome in EC.

Citation

Palmer, P. and Jepson, J. (2012), "The search for a suitable outcome measure for use in evaluating the outcome of provision of an environmental control system", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 66-70. https://doi.org/10.1108/17549451211214373