Aejaz
spent 18 months tweaking a Freeway (the only thing big enough for the patient to see) for a chap who spent his final months being ventilated on our high dependency unit. In later months, he could operate the kit on instruction, but nursing staff thought he rarely used it independently. The kit was left in place mostly as an insurance policy (he became distressed if he didn't have the ability to call a nurse) and to reassure relatives.
The relatives raised funds for a scanning Lightwriter which we interfaced with the Freeway. Again it was used under instruction but not in real communication. The patient preferred spoken alphabet scanning by the communication partner.
The hospital appeared to have no formal way of assessing his cognitive state.
PS he was using a specs switch for chin operation on a MND collar.
Barry
Barry Taylor, Clinical Scientist
Medical Physics Department
Tulley Medical Physics Building, Hull Royal Infirmary
Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ
Tel 01482 675928, fax 01482 675750
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-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Zahid Aejaz (RFF) Clinical
Engineer
Sent: 30 August 2006 18:12
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: AAC for advanced MS
Hi
I am eager to hear your success stories to do with AT to help someone who
has very advanced stage MS. Cases where the there may be very limited
options for motor control and sensory or cognitive issues to contend with as
well. I'm particularly interested in AAC strategies. What combinations of AT
have you used? How did you implement them? Was there a long term phased out
plan?
Thanks and regards,
Aejaz
_______________________________________
Aejaz Zahid
Senior Clinical Scientist
Assistive Technology Service
Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Gawber Road
Barnsley S75 2EP
[t] +44(0)1226 730000 Ext 2159
[f] +44(0)1226 208159
[e] [log in to unmask]
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