title: A Functional Analysis Of An Assistive Device Information Database in Flanders: A Qualitative Study.
abstract: Since 1989-1990, Vlibank is the Flemish AT information database managed by the Flemish government and aims to have a complete overview of AT devices in Flanders. The growing AT market increases the need for unbiased information on AT. However, maintaining and keeping a database up-to-date is a very challenging task. Because of recent changes in policy, the Flemish government needs to be able to reimburse a bigger group of AT devices, but also the changing needs of a larger group of people, regardless of their age. Because the crucial role of an AT information database in the selection of AT devices and the effectiveness of the service delivery, a functional analysis of an online information database is made. This paper describes the qualitative part of the study, in particular the focus groups that were held to gather views of three groups of stakeholders. Preliminary results indicate that there is consensus on the information needs next to product information and on the use of generic questions as a selection tool for AT devices. The biggest issue raised is the difficulty of keeping an information database up-to-date, especially for individualized devices. All participants, except one, are very wary of the use of user ratings and reviews.
authors: PXL University College.
authors: Loes
authors: L
authors: Cardinaels
authors: Reval - Rehabilitation Research Institute, Biomed - Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University.
authors: Jonas
authors: J
authors: Verbrugghe
authors: Hasselt University - tUL - iMinds, Expertise Centre for Digital Media.
authors: Mieke
authors: M
authors: Haesen
authors: VZW Stijn.
authors: Ben
authors: B
authors: Schouten
authors: LifeTechLimburg.
authors: Bianca
authors: B
authors: Ceccarelli
authors: Reval - Rehabilitation Research Institute, Biomed - Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University.
authors: Annick
authors: A
authors: Timmermans
authors: PXL University College.
authors: Annemie
authors: A
authors: Spooren
mesh_terms: D001530:Belgium; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D012656:Self-Help Devices