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A description of how three occupational therapists train children in using the scanning access technique
Author(s) -
Jones Jennifer,
Stewart Hugh
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
australian occupational therapy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1630
pISSN - 0045-0766
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2004.00445.x
Subject(s) - augmentative , thematic analysis , occupational therapy , 3d scanning , psychology , medical education , population , process (computing) , assistive technology , brain scanning , augmentative and alternative communication , applied psychology , medicine , nursing , qualitative research , computer science , human–computer interaction , physical therapy , artificial intelligence , nuclear medicine , social science , philosophy , linguistics , environmental health , psychiatry , sociology , operating system
Scanning is a technique that enables children with severe physical disabilities to access an augmentative and alternative communication device or other assistive technology. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the methods and rationale used by occupational therapists experienced in training scanning when teaching a child to scan. The research was conducted in two phases: (i) a survey phase in which a questionnaire was distributed; and (ii) a consultation phase involving semistructured interviews. Results of the survey revealed that although the population of scanning users is relatively small, scanning remains an important access technique. Thematic analysis of the interviews yielded four themes: (i) ‘The process of training scanning is progressive and parallel’; (ii) ‘Clients must be considered on an individual basis’; (iii) ‘Training scanning is inextricably linked to functional goals’; and (iv) ‘The importance of training the child and primary carers using a collaborative approach’. A unique insight into the major phases of training scanning has been provided. However, it appears that therapists are not advancing clients beyond linear and row–column techniques or increasing the number of switches for increased speed of output. Recommendations for the provision of basic training are given. Occupational therapists would benefit from further investigation of the issues surrounding scanning for ensuring successful client outcomes.