Biomedical subjects

W C Mann

Publications and source records attributed to W C Mann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Use of assistive devices to address hearing impairment by older persons with disabilities.

Hearing impairment impacts on the lives of almost half of people over the age of 65. For many people, a hearing aid or other assistive device can enhance communication. However, there is a high rate of dissatisfaction with hearing aids among those who currently use, or have used them in the past. This study of 227 elders with hearing impairment sought to gain a description of their multiple needs relative to demographics, health status physical status, and psychosocial status. Furthermore, we compared along the same dimensions the 227 elders with hearing impairment with 495 frail elders who reported no hearing impairment. We found that hearing-impaired elders are older, have poorer eyesight and have a high level of co-morbidity, especially with arthritis and heart and circulatory conditions. We also found a higher rate of depression among those with hearing impairment. Although hearing aid use increased as the impact of impairment on activity increased, three-quarters of those who reported that hearing impairment had a large impact on daily life did not use a hearing aid. A factor relating to hearing aid use was race; being Caucasian, and living alone. Study participants listed their reasons for dissatisfaction or non-use of their hearing aids and provided suggestions for hearing aid design.

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PubMed2000

Non-invasive determination of ethanol, propylene glycol and water in a multi-component pharmaceutical oral liquid by direct measurement through amber plastic bottles using Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy.

Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was used to quantify rapidly the ethanol (34-49% v/v), propylene glycol (20-35% v/v) and water (11-20% m/m) contents within a multi-component pharmaceutical oral liquid by measurement directly through the amber plastic bottle packaging. Spectra were collected in the range 7302-12,000 cm-1 and calibration models set-up using partial least-squares regression (PLSR) and multiple linear regression. Reference values for the three components were measured using capillary gas chromatography (ethanol and propylene glycol) and Karl Fischer (water) assay procedures. The calibration and test sets consisted of production as well as laboratory batches that were made to extend the concentration ranges beyond the natural production variation. The PLSR models developed gave standard errors of prediction (SEP) of 1.1% v/v for ethanol, 0.9% v/v for propylene glycol and 0.3% m/m for water. For each component the calibration model was validated in terms of: linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision and robustness. All the methods produced statistically favourable outcomes. Ten production batches independent of the calibration and test sets were also challenged against the PLSR models, giving SEP values of 1.3% v/v (ethanol), 1.0% v/v (propylene glycol) and 0.2% m/m (water). NIR transmission spectroscopy allowed all three liquid constituents to be non-invasively measured in under 1 min.

Drug Packaging↗

PubMed1998

An evaluation of reachers for use by older persons with disabilities.

With the steady growth in numbers of older persons, the number of elders who have impairments impacting on functional performance also increases. Many assistive devices are available that have the potential to help elders with impairments to maintain or regain independence. Reachers offer a good example of an inexpensive and useful assistive device for elders. A needs assessment study of the University at Buffalo Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging (RERC-Aging) found that 22% of elder owners of reachers were dissatisfied with at least one of the reachers they owned. This study sought to explore the reasons for this dissatisfaction by, first, determining the tasks for which older persons use reachers and, second, testing performance in these tasks with three reachers selected on their potential to most satisfactorily meet the needs of older persons with disabilities. In the first study component, 16 older people were selected randomly from the RERC-Aging study sample pool for telephone interviews. In the second component, 30 elders were selected randomly for an evaluation of reachers. All study participants were 60 years old or older, lived at home, and used one or more reachers in their daily tasks. Consumer criteria for evaluating reachers included adjustable length, one-hand use, life-time guarantee, lock system for grip, forearm support, light weight, and lever action trigger. The Winchester reacher was rated highest by consumers who actually tested three reachers that best met the consumer criteria.

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PubMed1997

Racial differences of frail elders in assistive technology.

This study compared differences in coping strategies, such as the use and ownership of assistive devices and home modifications, for 64 black and 441 white frail elders from the University at Buffalo Consumer Assessment Study. Controlling age, income, and education, there was no difference between black and white elders on health and functional status. Black elders on average own and use fewer assistive devices than white elders. There is no difference between the two groups in the number of home modifications, although black elders experience more home environmental problems than white elders. The majority of black elders rent their residence and thus lack the authority and ability to make the necessary adjustments to their home environmental problems. Predictor variables for assistive device use and environmental problems varied for black and white elders.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1997

The use of microwave ovens by elderly persons with disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effectiveness of microwave ovens in assisting elderly persons with disabilities with cooking food. METHOD: The participants were five elderly persons who had gross motor, fine motor, or vision impairments but no cognitive impairments. Before the study, none of the participants owned or operated a microwave oven. In this single-subject design of four phases (ABAB), training in microwave oven use was provided between the first A (baseline) and first B (intervention) phases. Participants had access so the microwave oven in their homes only during the B phases. Each phase lasted for 3 weeks, for a total of 12 weeks. The frequency of using cooking appliances, the number of food items prepared, and the time spent preparing meals were recorded through daily self-reports. RESULTS: All participants showed an increase in the frequency of using cooking appliances for at least one of the two B phases, although they showed different patterns. The number of food items prepared increased in the B phases, except for two participants who were ill. With the introduction of the microwave oven, time spent preparing meals decreased for all five participants, and their participation in meal preparation increased. Although not measured as a study variable, results suggest that the quality of diet also improved with microwave oven use. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy practitioners who serve elderly clients might consider recommending microwave ovens for those who do not have cognitive impairments but who are having difficulty with cooking because of vision impairments or physical disabilities.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1996

The use of phones by elders with disabilities: problems, interventions, costs.

Recognizing the important role the telephone plays in the life of frail elders, this study sought to gain a better understanding of the problems these elders encounter in using their phones to meet their needs. Starting with a sample of 354 frail elders, it was determined that 35, or just under 10%, were having some difficulty in the use of their phones. Twenty-two of these 35 subjects were randomly selected for an assessment of their impairments and phone setups in their homes. Interventions were provided to 19 of the 22 subjects, with two subjects refusing an intervention. At a 6-week follow-up call, all subjects were satisfied with the new phone or phone-related equipment. At a 6-month follow-up, 95% of subjects expressed satisfaction with the intervention. Phone usage increased by 50% for subjects provided a phone intervention. Average cost of equipment was $70.45; cost of personnel time was significantly higher. Recommendations are made for addressing the phone-related problems of frail elders.

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PubMed1995

Assistive devices used by home-based elderly persons with arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This article examines assistive device use by home-based elderly persons with arthritis. METHOD: Sixty-six persons were interviewed for the State University of New York at Buffalo (University at Buffalo) Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center Consumer Assessment Study, which sought information on need for and current use of assistive devices. Subjects were assigned to a moderate or a severe arthritis group according to the impact of arthritis on their activities. RESULTS: Subjects in the severe arthritis group had more chronic diseases, a higher level of pain, and a lower level of independence in self-care activities than subjects in the moderate arthritis group. Similarities between the groups included relatively poor health, high rate of medication use, depression, use of a high number of assistive devices (about 10 per person), and an expressed need for additional devices, such as reachers, magnifiers, grab bars, jar openers, and hearing aids. Generally, there was a high rate of satisfaction with the assistive devices used. Most subjects missed being able to participate in at least one activity; most of these activities were active and many related to leisure time. CONCLUSION: Findings also revealed that subjects had inadequate information on assistive devices, which suggests the importance of more occupational therapy involvement with elderly persons in selecting devices.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1995

Overview of technology for low vision.

This article provides an overview of technology resources and services to assist persons with low vision in maintaining independent function in the home, community, and educational and vocational settings. Case studies are provided to demonstrate the integration of technology into the lives of persons with low vision.

Computers↗

PubMed1994

The need for information on assistive devices by older persons.

Analyzing the results of the first 110 interviews from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging's Consumer Assessments Project, this study examined subjects' responses to the question, "Can you think of a device you would like to have that you haven't been able to find--a device that may not have yet been developed?" Each response was compared to the results of a Hyper-ABLEDATA search for similar existing products. When asked to propose a new device, 43 subjects (39% of the sample) responded with suggestions. In all instances, however, the respondents suggested devices that are already available. These findings indicate that subjects did not have up-to-date or complete information on the assistive devices that could improve their quality of life.

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PubMed1994

Design of hand-held remotes for older persons with impairments.

The University at Buffalo Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging (RERC) developed two prototype television remote control devices (remotes), designed to address the needs of older persons with some visual and/or fine motor impairment. The prototype remotes have large buttons, large numbers and characters on the buttons, and high color contrast between the buttons and background. One remote has 15 buttons, and one has 6 buttons. The purpose of this study was to test these prototype remotes against two commercially available remotes for user speed, accuracy, and satisfaction. One of the commercially available remotes has small buttons and small print but more features than the prototype remotes; this device came with the television used in the study. The second commercially available remote has somewhat larger buttons, but still smaller than the ones on the RERC prototypes. Thirty elders with impairments participated in testing the remotes in a simulated living room setting. The order in which the remote devices were presented to the subjects was randomly determined. Results indicated a significant difference among remotes in number of errors made; subjects made the fewest number of errors on the 15-button prototype remote. There was no significant difference among remotes in speed. There were significant differences in user satisfaction: users preferred the 15-button prototype device. Subjects were asked if they would rather have more features and small buttons on their remote, or fewer features and larger buttons; almost three-fourths of the sample desired fewer features and larger buttons.

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PubMed1994

COMPETE: a model for vocational evaluation, training, employment, and community for integration for persons with cognitive impairments.

This paper describes a job skills training program for young adults with cognitive impairments called COMPETE, an acronym for Computer Preparation: Evaluation, Training, and Employment. Participants in COMPETE trained in use of information-age machines, (e.g., computers, fax machines). The 3-year demonstration project resulted in successful placement of 17 of 27 persons who were unemployed before entering the program.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1994

Inter-rater agreement and stability of functional assessment in the community-based elderly.

The purpose was to examine the inter-rater agreement and test-retest stability of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) from the Multidimensional Functional Assessment of Older Adults. These two instruments were administered to 20 older persons living in the community. Two experienced raters administered the assessment instruments over either a short (7-10 days) or long (4 to 6 week) interval. The intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to analyze the data. ICC values were computed for agreement between and within raters and across short and long intervals. ICC values for inter-rater agreement and stability ranged from 0.90 to 0.99. The relation between scores on the FIM and IADL scale was also examined. The analysis produced an r value of 0.85, suggesting a positive statistical relationship among the items assessed. The high ICC values indicate that the Functional Independence Measure Instrument and IADL scale of the Multidimensional Functional Assessment of Older Adults provide consistent information across two experienced raters and over time when used with a sample of elderly persons residing in the community.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1993

Comparison of assistive device use and needs of home-based older persons with different impairments.

This paper examined assistive device use by noninstitutionalized older persons with visual, cognitive, and physical impairments. One hundred fifty seven persons over 60 years of age (M = 75.5 years) were interviewed in their homes for the University at Buffalo Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center Consumer Assessments Study. Subjects were assigned to one of seven groups according to types of impairment: minimal, physical, visual, visual and physical, cognitive, cognitive and physical, and cognitive and visual. Group assignments were based on scores on the Sickness Impact Profile (physical), Older Americans Resources and Services Program Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (vision), and Mini Mental State Exam (cognitive). Overall, subjects owned a mean of 13.7 devices, used 10.8 devices (79% of the devices they own), and were satisfied with 9.8 devices (72% of the devices they own). There were significant differences among the impairment groups in numbers of devices owned and used, and in satisfaction with devices. Subjects expressed the need for more devices, especially devices for increasing mobility and assisting with balance. Results suggest a stronger role for occupational therapists in the assessment of assistive device needs of older persons, and in recommending devices and training persons in their use.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1993

An abbreviated task-oriented assessment (Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation).

The purpose of this study was to explore development of an abbreviated version of the Task-Oriented Assessment component of the Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation (BaFPE). The BaFPE is widely used by occupational therapists practicing in mental health, but therapists have requested an instrument that could be administered and scored more quickly. Both a subjective and objective analysis support the development of an abbreviated version of the Task-Oriented Assessment.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1992

Use of environmental control devices by elderly nursing home patients.

This study explored the use of remote control devices by elderly nursing home patients. Two groups of patients were given radios, and each patient in one of the two groups was also given a remote device to simplify the task of turning the radio on and off. Over a period of 12 weeks, the experimental group showed a significantly higher rate of radio use than the control group.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1990

Concurrent validity of the task-oriented assessment component of the Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation with the American Association on Mental Deficiency Adaptive Behavior Scale.

This study was designed to test the concurrent validity of the revised Task-Oriented Assessment (TOA) component of the Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation (BaFPE) (Bloomer & Williams, 1979) with Part 1 of the American Association on Mental Deficiency Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) (Nihira, Foster, Shellhaas, & Leland, 1969, 1974) and to develop a means of interpretation for the numeric scores on the TOA. Both measures were administered to 67 psychiatric inpatients within the first 14 days of admission. Low to moderate correlations were found between the TOA tasks and functional parameters and the ABS domains. Because the TOA shows low concurrent validity with the ABS, only limited interpretive descriptions for TOA scores could be developed.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1989

The Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation: development and standardization.

The Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation (BaFPE) was developed in 1977-1978 to meet the need for a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the general functional performance of patients treated in psychiatric occupational therapy. It consists of two subtests, the Task-Oriented Assessment and the Social Interaction Scale. These subtests evaluate two aspects of general functional performance--task-oriented and social behavior--that are important in assessing clients with emotional, cognitive, or behavioral deficits. This article traces the instrument's standardization over a 10-year period of development and includes a discussion of its theoretical premises, its content, and the revisions to date. Research on the reliability and validity of the BaFPE is summarized.

Humans↗

PubMed1987

Replication.

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Occupational Therapy↗