Electronic Assistive Technology
The NHS Tayside Electronic Assistive Technology Service aims to enhance or maintain the independence of individuals with severe and/or complex disability, within Tayside. It does this through the use of Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT), which consists of specialist devices and systems, designed to meet such needs.
Service Provided
The Service is clinically-based with particular emphasis on carefully assessing patients' needs in collaboration with associated carers and professional staff. A full equipment provision service is offered for some technologies, consisting of prescription, provision, support and review. For other technologies, The Service provides support and advice to professional colleagues. All technologies that require it receive an annual safety check.
Technology
The areas covered routinely bt The Service include:
- Environmental Control Equipment ** - equipment to support independence in the home environment e.g. answering the telephone, controlling a hospital bed, controlling a TV etc.
- Special Controls for Powered Wheelchairs ** - alternative methods, to the standard joystick, for controlling a powered wheelchair.
- General Technology Access - mounting / positioning of devices and alternative control methods e.g. switches.
- Computer Accessibility - alternative keyboards / mice and software to enhance computer / tablet / smartphone access.
- Integrated Systems - bringing together of all needs into one, holistic solution, where appropriate.
- Customised Devices and Systems - solution for problems not provided for routinely by services in Tayside.
Support Service
The Service is an in-house Service and all equipment that is provided is fully supported. The Service can also provide support for the equipment of other professionals and services, where these have been rpovided on our recommendation.
The Service recognises that technology can be unfamiliar and sometimes seem challenging to use, so it provides information, training and support, as required, to ensure effective use in the intended environment.
The Service recognises that technology can be unfamiliar and sometimes seem challenging to use, so it provides information, training and support, as required, to ensure effective use in the intended environment.
Referrals
Referrals to The Service are accepted from any Health or Social Care professional. The Service is available to any individual, of any age or diagnosis, in their routine environment(s).
Personnel
The Service is provided by HCPC Registered Clinical Scientists and technical support staff. The Service works very closely with staff of the Wheelchair and Seating Service, with overlap, where appropriate.
The Service generally works very closely with other professional staff and carers involved in the care of individual patients. It recognises that the technology must be part of an overall solution that needs to be discussed, agreed and implemented as a whole.
The Service generally works very closely with other professional staff and carers involved in the care of individual patients. It recognises that the technology must be part of an overall solution that needs to be discussed, agreed and implemented as a whole.
