Environmental and typewriter control systems for high-level quadriplegic patients: evaluation and prescription.
A formal 44-month clinical evaluation was conducted to determine the suitability of selected electronic equipment for use in high-level quadriplegia. A total of 52 traumatic high-level quadriplegic patients (C-2 to C-5,6) participated in the testing of 13 commercial electronic assistive devices including 8 environmental control units, 1 self-contained telephone, and 4 typewriter systems. Most devices were pneumatically ("breath") controlled. Devices were tested in an occupational therapy laboratory, bedside, and homes. Testing yielded data on device reliability, suitability, and acceptance by patients.
D003142:Communication; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004581:Electronics; D004777:Environment; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*