title: How are service users instructed to measure home furniture for provision of minor assistive devices?
abstract: Measurements play a vital role in providing devices that meet the individual needs of users. There is increasing evidence of devices being abandoned. The reasons for this are complex but one key factor that plays a role in non-use of equipment is the lack of fit between the device, environment and person. In addition, the abandonment of devices can be seen as a waste of public money. The aim of this paper is to examine the type, the readability, and the content of existing guidance in relation to measuring home furniture.
  
  
  
  An online national survey involving health and social care trusts in the UK. We conducted a synthesis of leaflets associated with measurement of furniture to identify existing guidance. The content and readability of this guidance was then evaluated.
  
  
  
  From the 325 responses received, 64 therapists reported using guidance. From the 13 leaflets that were analysed, 8 leaflets were found to meet Level 3 Adult Literacy Standards (age 9-11). There were differences in the way in which the measurement of furniture items occurred within the leaflets with no measurement guidance reported for baths.
  
  
  
  There is a need to standardize guidance to ensure that measurements are reliable. Implications for Rehabilitation Our research has highlighted the need to confirm and agree measurement techniques for home furniture in the provision of assistive devices. Inaccurate guidance can lead to abandonment of devices. Inaccurate guidance could prevent service users from not participating within the self-assessment process for devices.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical Science , Brunel University , Uxbridge , UK.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Atwal
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical Science , Brunel University , Uxbridge , UK.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mcintyre
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical Science , Brunel University , Uxbridge , UK.
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Spiliotopoulou
authors.affiliation: b Department of Computer Science , Brunel University , Uxbridge , UK.
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Money
authors.affiliation: c Department of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Architecture , Computing and Humanities, University of Greenwich , London , UK.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Paraskevopulos
mesh_terms: D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D000067010:Literacy; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014894:Weights and Measures / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Devices; home furniture; measurement; service users; therapists