Appropriate Technology

By Don Hovis

We live in a fast-paced, high-tech world. We have many choices of products to fill our daily needs and desires.

The healthcare/rehab industry is no exception. Over the past ten years, great strides have been made in providing enabling and assistive devices.

Take power wheelchairs, for example. Ten years ago, all power wheelchairs had an annoying electronic whine and were difficult to control. Power wheelchairs today are high-tech electronic marvels controlled by virtual computers. Most manufacturers offer good, better and best models. Which one is appropriate?

Take seating, for example. Ten years ago, most wheelchair users sat on sling upholstery, and many suffered pressure sores and progressive deformities. Today, therapists have a wide variety of seating products with high quality foams, fluids and air cushions. These are offered with a selection of positioning supports from which to choose. Which one is appropriate?

Ten years ago, tilt, recline and tilt-with-recline systems were a novelty. Today, several manufacturers provide sophisticated electronic systems that can be operated by the user. "Low shear", "vernier shear reduction (VSR)" and "zero shear" are new terms in therapists’ vocabulary. Which one is appropriate?

Manual wheelchairs probably best exemplify the multitude of technological advances. There is a world of difference from the heavy, clunky, institutional-type chairs of the 60s and 70s to today’s multiple choices of sleek, functional, ultralight designs made from high-tech materials. Aircraft aluminum, titanium, composite polymers, carbon fibres and powder coating in rainbow colours are all new to the rehab industry. Which material and design is appropriate?

I could go on, but I’m sure you’re got my point.

Determining which technology is appropriate from such a wide selection is necessary, however difficult. We must not lose sight of simple functional products that fulfill current and protected needs of users.

Products that bridge categories sometimes can be functional and cost-effective. Our Booster power assist is an example. Manual wheelchairs provide functional mobility for many users. Ramps, hills, outdoor terrain or sudden fatigue may strand certain users, however. Power wheelchairs would work for these individuals but at additional cost, reduction in portability and, perhaps most important, providing less healthy physical exercise required to self-propel. Rather than give up a manual chair that is suitable 95 percent of the time, the Booster provides a power assist on demand, but only when needed. A simple, lightweight, cost-effective solution. An example of appropriate technology.

(Don Hovis is President of Genus Medical.)

CORRECTION
In Issue #12 ABILITIES incorrectly reported the origins of the Amigo. In fact, the Amigo was designed in 1968 by Allan R. Thieme, a plumber from Bridgeport, Michigan. Mr. Thieme designed the Amigo in his garage for his wife with multiple sclerosis. Mr. Thieme remains the president of Amigo International Inc. headquartered in Bridgeport, Michigan. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.