Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological and autoimmune disease
that most commonly occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. There are four types of MS:
relapsing-remitting MS, secondary-progressive MS, primary-progressive MS and
progressive-relapsing MS. Assistive technology (AT) is generally defined as a product,
device, aid, equipment or system that helps to overcome barriers and achieve progress in
independence in various areas of human functioning. AT can contribute to the quality of life
of a person with MS. In addition to the assistive devices that enable people with MS to
perform their daily activities more independently and that improve their mobility and access
to information, the home environment and the occupational therapist play an important role
in their ability to function. A home environment that is not adapted to the needs of the person
with MS may impair their ability or inability to perform activities and increase the likelihood
of falls and further injury. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to examine what is
currently known about the use of AT by people with MS in the home environment. Methods:
A literature search was conducted. The search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of
Science and OTseeker. Articles were screened for relevance and level of evidence. Results:
All studies involved adults with MS. Two studies were quantitative, three combined
qualitative and quantitative methods, and the remaining three were systematic literature
reviews. The studies were published between 2001 and 2022. Based on the literature review,
we developed three themes. Discussion and conclusion: Occupational therapists play an
important role in the treatment of people with MS through the use of assistive devices that
significantly improve quality of life. The most commonly used assistive devices relate to
mobility. Tele-rehabilitation and home environment adaptations are frequently used by
people with MS. It is important to be aware of the positive and negative effects of assistive
devices on people with MS and to consider contextual environmental factors when selecting
assistive devices.
|
