Research Article  |   February 2015
Effectiveness of a Clinical Decision Support System for Pointing Device Prescription
Alexandra Danial-Saad; Tsvi Kuflik; Patrice L. Weiss; Naomi Schreuer
Author Affiliations
  • Alexandra Danial-Saad, PhD, OT, is Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel, and Coordinator, Clinical Practicum, Academic Arab College for Education in Israel–Haifa
  • Tsvi Kuflik, PhD, is Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Information Systems, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
  • Patrice L. Weiss, PhD, OT, is Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
  • Naomi Schreuer, PhD, OT, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel; schreuer@research.haifa.ac.il
Article Information
Assistive Technology / Professional Issues
Research Article   |   February 2015
Effectiveness of a Clinical Decision Support System for Pointing Device Prescription
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, February 2015, Vol. 69, 6902280010p1-6902280010p7. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.014811
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, February 2015, Vol. 69, 6902280010p1-6902280010p7. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.014811
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We present a novel, knowledge-driven approach to prescription of pointing devices that uses the Ontology-Supported Computerized Assistive Technology Recommender (OSCAR), a clinical decision support system (CDSS).

METHOD. Fifty-five occupational therapists were divided into four groups: two assistive technology (AT) expert groups and two novice groups. Novice Group 1 used the OSCAR CDSS for the prescription process, and Novice Group 2 used the conventional method. OSCAR’s effectiveness and its impact on users were evaluated.

RESULTS. The ability of Novice Group 1 to make suitable pointing device prescriptions was similar to that of the two expert groups and was significantly better than that of Novice Group 2. The system positively affected Novice Group 1’s learning of the prescription process.

CONCLUSION. The structure and organized framework for clinical reasoning of the OSCAR CDSS appear to enable occupational therapy practitioners inexperienced in AT to achieve performance levels comparable to those of experts.