AB0891 PROOF OF CONCEPT OF THE USE OF CO-DESIGNED 3D PRINTED ASSISTIVE DEVICES WITHIN AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERVENTION IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the positive impact of assistive devices (ADs) on the daily lives of people with disabilities, many of them are initially adopted and then regrettably abandoned. Even though the AD of an individual patient might fit his/her needs, up to 7 out of 10 people stop using it. On the one hand this may be linked to an improvement in their health, on the other, the devices may not be ergonomically suitable for long-term use. Previous studies have highlighted the possibility that co-designed and customised 3D printed assistive devices can benefit patients with rheumatic diseases which impair daily activities, especially manual ones. Among the 29 patients with Systemic Sclerosis who took part in the joint prevention clinic workshop at the University-Hospital of Modena (Italy), in 2019 4 patients actively joined the 3D printing project for the co-designing of ADs.ObjectivesThis work has two main goals: firstly, to check whether in the short term the co-design approach is able to guarantee better acceptance of ADs and a lower abandonment rate. Secondly, to check during follow-ups, if the patients are satisfied and regularly use their ADs and if their daily activities remain unchanged.MethodsThe development of the ADs begins with co-design sessions which involve the patient, an Occupational Therapist and a designer. The AD is digitally modelled and 3D printed. Subsequently it is delivered to the patient following a number of training sessions. Using standardized tests such as PIADS (Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale) and QUEST (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology) at the time of delivery of the ADs, then after 3 years, we assessed the level of satisfaction of the 4 patients enrolled, the condition of the ADs and their actual use.ResultsIn 2019 each of the 4 patients received at least one AD, which they used on a regular daily basis [i.e. a device to open a moka pot (an Italian coffee machine); a token for a shopping trolley; a pen grip handle; a multiple key turner]. The results of the PIADS following delivery and in the 3-years follow-up were positive. The QUEST results were also positive. After 3 years the ADs were still being used regularly. Moreover, in 2022, 2 patients co-designed and 3D printed new ADs in response to new or altered needs.ConclusionIn both the long and short term, ADs are still being used regularly and patients are still enjoying the benefits. After 3 years none of the ADs displayed any significant wear or breakage, thus their effectiveness was not compromised. Finally, the satisfaction of the patients with the co-designed ADs remained unaltered over time. Co-design 3D printed devices have therefore proven to effectively reduce the AD abandonment rate.REFERENCES:NIL.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.