Electronic assistive devices: Their impact on the quality of life of high level quadriplegic persons

The impact of electronic assistive devices (ie, the environmental control system or ECS) on the day-to-day living of high-level quadriplegics (C₃-C₅) was studied. Twenty male quadriplegic persons (7 ECS users and 13 nonusers) were interviewed using the following materials: Activity Pattern Indicators (APIs), Bell Adjustment Inventory, Locus of Control, Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist and McClelland's adaptation of the Thematic Apperception Test. It was found that ECS impact was most clearly demonstrated in the API results. The ECS users made greater use of a variety of adaptive devices to function relatively more independently and with minimal assistance. The users participated in more activities and spent considerably more time educating themselves than the nonusers, who more frequently participated in quiet activities and spent more time in passive recreational activities in residence. Since the ECS and other adaptive devices have a positive impact on the lives of users, patients should be exposed to them as early as possible in their rehabilitation programs to promote their acceptance. Additionally, home planning and equipment ordering should be done conjointly before discharge so that patients and their families do not become acclimated to a less safe and less efficient way of functioning. An assessment protocol consisting of both intrapsychic and behavioral measures (similar to the one presented in this article) is recommended as a comprehensive and systematic way of evaluating both the short- and long-term effects of using assistive devices.