This research study is being done to better understand the impact of the PPAL assisted toileting device. The PPAL consists of a powered, height adjustable commode chair with integrated transfer boards. The system is designed to allow the user to assist with their own transfers to/from bed or chair to the PPAL for toileting, with little manual help provided by user's caregivers. Users who require assistance with transfers and their caregivers have a high likelihood of experiencing and injury during transfers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the PPAL bedside commode in a home setting to better understand the impact of the device in a 6-week at home trial. Participants will be asked to schedule a home visit with the research team to screen their home and ask questions and observe the participant's current transfer methods to their toilet/commode to ensure that they and the caregiver are an appropriate candidate for the device. Once approved, a delivery date will be arranged to deliver the PPAL to the participant's home. At the end of the 6-week trial, the study team will arrange a final study visit date to retrieve the PPAL and again ask questions and observe a toilet transfer using both the PPAL and the customary commode. Finally, the investigators will interview the participant and the caregiver to ask them about their satisfaction with device. This interview will be audio recorded. This study involves minimal risks which are expected to occur infrequently. There is the possibility that the participant could obtain a scrape, bruise, cut or pinch injury as you will be working with a device that they are not familiar with. There is also the possibility that the participant could fall when attempting to transfer to or from the device, however the investigators will thoroughly demonstrate the device and monitor your use of it to minimize this risk. There is a risk of breach of confidentiality as text messages and emails may not be encrypted or secure during their transmission or storage and it is possible they could be intercepted and used by others not associated with this study. There will be no direct benefit to the participant from participating in the study, but it will help the developers of the PPAL better understand the opinions, needs and abilities of the caregivers and patients who may use the device.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
PPAL is a patented, motorized, height adjustable bedside commode with integrated transfer boards. PPAL incorporates a transfer board that moves up and down as the chair seat is raised or lowered so that the user can always perform a downhill transfer. This innovation will allow individuals with limited mobility who currently rely on caregiver assistance to transfer more independently.
University of Pittsburgh: Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
RECRUITINGChange in fall efficacy with connection to toileting
We aim to determine whether the use of PPAL reduces fear of falling during toileting activities. To assess this, we will utilize the Fall Concerns Scale for individuals who use Wheelchairs and Scooters (FCS-WC/S). Items are scored on a scale of concern, with 1 being "Not at all concerned" and 4 being "Very Concerned". Scores can be analyzed from specific questions, or the questionnaire as a whole. For this result we will focus on the item specifically associated with getting on/off of a toilet or commode at home. A decrease in FCS-WC/S scores at the end of the study would indicate a reduction in fear of falling.
Time frame: Change from pre to post 6 week trial
Change in GG Self-Care score for Toilet Transfer
We aim to observe a change in the GG Self-Care score for toilet transfers, specifically an improvement in the individual's ability to safely get on and off a toilet or commode. This item is scored on a scale from 1 (Dependent: completely reliant on a caregiver) to 6 (Independent: no assistance required). An increase in this score would indicate improved functional independence.
Time frame: Change from pre to post 6 week trial
System Usability Scale (SUS)
We aim to find that PPAL will have at minimum an acceptable level of usability at the end of the trial. The SUS consists of items rated on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), assessing the participants perceived usability of the system in several domain areas. A total score is computed and a score of 68 or higher would be indicative of acceptable usability (scores ranging from 0 to 100 with higher scores indicating better usability).
Time frame: At the end of the 6 week trial
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