Cristina Nieves Perdomo Delgado

Occupational therapist in Neurorehabilitation and Assistive Technology. University of Salamanca. Spain.

PhD in Design (Assistive Technology). Paulista State University (UNESP). Brazil

cristinepd@hotmail.com

Technology is a key element for the development of activities

by the Occupational Therapist. The objective of the

Occupational Therapist is to improve and or allow the

realization of significant activities for the users served.

Therefore, Assistive Technology is a complement in the

practice of Occupational Therapy.

.

The Model of Human Activity and Assisted Technology

(HAAT) is a theoretical framework used for the practice of

occupational therapy together with technology.

The purpose of this article is to publicize the relationship

between occupational therapy and assistive technologies

and, through the HAAT model, it can be demonstrated that

both in clinical practice and in research, the results of therapy

treatments Occupational demonstrate scientific evidence.

References

The model (HAAT) presents the necessary factors that are considered for satisfactory

occupational therapy. The human factor includes the physical, cognitive and emotional

aspects and the difference between the user with or without experience in the use of

assistive technology. The activity factor includes the way the user performs a basic,

instrumental or advanced task. The context factor understands how participation is

activated by physical, social, cultural, institutional means and how this activity is maintained

over time. The assistive technology (AT) factor includes the study of the interfaces of the

assistance product with the user, with the environment where it will be used and the

contribution generated by the activity by the user with this technology.

Model of Human Activity and

Assistive Technology (HAAT)

The Occupational Therapist before starting a treatment, performs an occupational evaluation, observing the performance

that the user has in carrying out daily activities. According to this evaluation, the therapist realizes if the user needs a

technology in order to facilitate the completion of the task. In the event that the user requires a TA, the Occupational

Therapist begins to use the HAAT model to analyze the interaction the user has with the TA during the performance of a

task and observe the performance in different contexts. The objective of the occupational therapist during the intervention

with TA is to be able to advise the user that AT is better suited to their needs and thus be able to generate better functional

results.

From a rehabilitative perspective, the occupational therapist must adapt the characteristics of the task to the user,

therefore, the TA is considered a compensation strategy that allows the task to be adapted with its use, in order to improve

the independence and autonomy of the Username

Assistive Technology is a facilitator so that the person with difficulty in carrying out daily activities can present greater

autonomy and independence.

It is of great importance for an occupational therapist, to have knowledge about the technologies that exist applied in the

practice of the profession, since an opportunity is generated to reduce the barriers that users of occupational therapy

present.

Regarding the use of the model (HAAT), it is considered highly relevant in the clinical practice of occupational therapy

together with AT.

The model of human activity and Assistive Technology (HAAT), is aimed at people with

disabilities or with some functional, cognitive, sensory limitation in order to provide an

assistive technology to facilitate performance in some of the activities of daily life.

The model was created by an engineer and an occupational therapist in order to evaluate

and select the assistive technology that best suits the user who needs it to carry out their

activities.

The components of the model are:

Assistive Technology in Occupational Therapy practice

Conclusions

Introduction

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: USE OF

THE HAAT MODEL

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(2010). Design and use of

assistive technology: social,

technical, ethical, and economic

challenges. Springer Science &

Business Media.

14th Biennial Scientific Conference of ACOT

HumanPhysical, cognitive, sensory, emotional

elements.

Activity Basic, productive and leisure activities

Assistive Technology Intrinsic and extrinsic facilitators

Context Physical, social, institutional and cultural.