An investigation into the perceptions of service users, their significant care-givers and clinicians, on the use of assistive technology to enable self-management for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia has an adverse impact on an individual’s occupational performance affecting both ADL and IADL’s including medication management (Semkovska, Bédard, Godbout, Limoge & Stip, 2004). The maintenance... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Schizophrenia has an adverse impact on an individual’s occupational performance affecting both ADL and IADL’s including medication management (Semkovska, Bédard, Godbout, Limoge & Stip, 2004). The maintenance of routine around medication is particularly important for people with schizophrenia due to the prophylactic nature of the medication they are prescribed. Traditionally family members and clinicians have often taken the responsibility for ensuring medications are adhered to. However, in line with the evolving recovery approach, the importance of “self-management” is being recognized as is the empowerment of individuals to manage these self-care occupations. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of users, their significant care-givers and clinicians on the use of assistive technology to assist individuals to self-manage their healthcare.

Method:
An exploratory sequential mixed methods approach will be employed for this study. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.

Results:
Results will be presented from the interviews and questionnaires.

Conclusion:
According to the literature assistive technology enables those with cognitive deficits such as dementia to self-manage their healthcare needs. The increased self-efficacy and sense of control that derives from everyday independence has a positive effect on those with mental ill-health.

Application to Practice:
This study will enable occupational therapists to gain an understanding of how assistive technology is being used to facilitate healthcare self-management for those with schizophrenia.

Reference List
Semkovska, M., Bédard, M-A, Godbout, L., Limoge, F. & Stip, E. (2004) ‘Assessment of executive dysfunction during activities of daily living in schizophrenia’, schizophrenia research, 69(2-3), pp. 289-300.