Elucidating and creating working knowledge for the care of the frail elderly through user-centered technology evaluation of a 4-wheel electric power assisted bicycle: A case study of a salutogenic device in healthcare facilities in Japan

Abstract

Frail elderly people suffer a variety of physical and mental weaknesses that tend to hinder their ability to make use of AT devices in the intended manner. Because of this, it is important that new AT devices undergo technology evaluation within the context in which they are to be used. In this study, frail elderly people in a Japanese daycare center and a rehabilitation hospital were given a 4-wheel, power-assisted bicycle to ride, and user-centered technology evaluations were carried out. While this vehicle was considered suitable for people age 75 and older who rarely walk, the data for the 61 people who tried out the vehicle indicate that they rode the bicycle only when a PT (physiotherapist) intervened, gave encouragement, adjusted the bicycle settings as needed for the user, and otherwise created new knowledge. In this study we summarized this new knowledge in an information DVD directed at people who work to support the frail elderly.