Powered feeding devices: an evaluation of three models.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare three powered feeding devices (Beeson, Handy 1, Winsford) as perceived by disabled individuals who require assistance with eating.


METHODS
Subjects and assistants were surveyed after using each device and serving their own controls. The order in which the devices were used was balanced.


METHODS
Place of subjects' residence.


METHODS
Twelve subjects, ages 11 to 42 years, and their feeding assistants.


METHODS
Each device trial covered a 4-day period. Day 1 focused on training to use the device, Days 2 and 3 focused on using the device at home, and on Day 4 subjects returned to the laboratory for debriefing, completing questionnaires, and videotaping.


METHODS
Subjects and assistants answered questionnaires including Likert-like rankings and yes/no responses regarding functional and esthetic characteristics of each feeding device.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found among three powered feeding devices regarding specific design characteristic. Great percentages of both subjects and their feeding assistants responded that the devices were an improvement over how they were currently being fed and that they would use such a device on a daily basis.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals dependent on others for feeding may benefit from the use of a powered feeding device.
Hermann
R P
RP
A. I. duPont Hospital for Children/University of Delaware Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories, USA.
Phalangas
A C
AC
Mahoney
R M
RM
Alexander
M A
MA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001176:Arthrogryposis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004560:Electricity; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014743:Videotape Recording