EMERGING CONCERNS OF OLDER STROKE PATIENTS ABOUT ASSISTIVE DEVICE USE

Assistive devices minimize limitations from physical impairment and ar e integral to rehabilitation. Little is known about older patients' co ncerns, perceptions, and beliefs about assistive devices. This study u sed a structured, qualitative approach to describe device perceptions of 103 stroke patients in rehabilitation. Six dimensions of patient co ncerns were identified, including the operation and utility of devices , social contexts and consequences, and attributions of cultural meani ngs of use. Initial device use posed cultural value dilemmas originati ng in discrepancies between sociocultural beliefs and conflicting norm ative expectations. Knowledge of these dimensions suggests new areas f or social science research and refinements to clinical practice.