Assistive and Everyday Technologies
01 April, 2020
(482 KB )
3 minute read
Introduction
Technology is integral to daily life in the 21st century and is transforming how health and social care services are delivered and experienced. Initiatives such as video conferencing may improve access to services (Stillerova et al 2016), whilst specialist and everyday technologies can enable people to engage in the occupations that are important to them within their homes and communities and have more control in managing their own health. However, technology also has the potential to present risks to health and wellbeing, such as negative consequences due to overuse of gaming.
Occupational therapists have a role to play in helping people select and use technologies that will promote occupational engagement and participation, and in facilitating an occupational balance. It is vital that the person is at the centre of decision making and attention is given to important legal and ethical considerations such as safety, equality and fairness, respect for human dignity and data governance (Topol 2019)