Research Article  |   April 2015
Behavioral Intention to Use a Virtual Instrumental Activities of Daily Living System Among People With Stroke
Allison Ellington; Richard Adams; Marga White; Paul Diamond
Author Affiliations
  • Allison Ellington, MS, OTR/L, is Director of Clinical Education, Department of Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, VA, and occupational therapist, University of Virginia HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlottesville; aellington@mbc.edu
  • Richard Adams, PhD, is Principal Research Scientist, Barron Associates, Charlottesville, VA
  • Marga White, MS, OTL, is Occupational Therapist, University of Virginia HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlottesville
  • Paul Diamond, MD, is Director of Neurorehabilitation and Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Stroke / Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
Research Article   |   April 2015
Behavioral Intention to Use a Virtual Instrumental Activities of Daily Living System Among People With Stroke
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 2015, Vol. 69, 6903290030p1-6903290030p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.014373
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 2015, Vol. 69, 6903290030p1-6903290030p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.014373
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral intention to use (BIU) regarding a virtual system for practicing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among people with stroke.

METHOD. Fourteen people who had sustained a stroke used a virtual world–based system over four sessions to participate in virtual occupations of preparing meals and putting away groceries. To investigate intention to use the technology, participants responded to a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model and were interviewed about the experience.

RESULTS. Analysis of questionnaire responses revealed favorable attitudes toward the technology and statistically significant correlations between these attitudes and positive BIU. Analysis of qualitative data revealed four themes to support system use: Use of the affected arm increased, the virtual practice was enjoyable, the technology was user-friendly, and the system reflected real-life activities.

CONCLUSION. This study shows that participants reported a positive BIU for the virtual system for practicing IADLs.