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Evaluating the Acceptability and Appropriateness of the Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool (ARHAT)
ABSTRACT
Background:
The Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool (ARHAT) is one example of a mobile-based application. The ARHAT was developed to provide rapid, highly accurate assessments of the home environment by utilizing 3D capture technologies that helps people identify and address functional limitations and environmental barriers.
Objective:
This study was conducted to gain stakeholder feedback on the acceptability and appropriateness of the ARHAT for identifying and addressing barriers within home environments.
Methods:
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted because it allows for variability when obtaining data and seeks to understand stakeholders’ insights on an understudied phenomenon. Each stakeholder group (occupational therapists, housing professionals, and aging adults and their caregivers ‘dyads’) participated in a 60-minute, virtual focus group via a secure Zoom platform. Focus group data were thematically analyzed by two trained qualitative research team members that followed four steps:1) reading transcribed interviews, 2) generating codes for data, 3) condensing codes into themes, and 4) naming and defining key themes.
Results:
A total of 19 stakeholders, ages 18-85+, were included in the study. Of the occupational therapists (26%), housing professionals (16%), and dyads (58%), 32% were male, and 68% were female, with most living in the Midwest (53%). Four main themes emerged from the focus group data and demonstrate the acceptability and appropriateness of the ARHAT: workflow, style, measurement tools, and impact. All stakeholders stated that they could see the ARHAT being used at many different levels and by any population. Dyads specifically mentioned that the ARHAT would allow them to do forward planning and made them think of home modifications in a new light.
Conclusions:
The ARHAT is acceptable and appropriate for identifying and addressing functional limitations and barriers in the home environment. This study highlights the importance of considering the workflow, style, measurement tools, and potential impact of home assessment technology early in the developmental process. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.
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Copyright
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