Storlek 70x100 cm, dvs 10 cm utfall
process of provision was somewhat clearer. Internet sites were difficult to navigate, providers difficult to contact. In all, the experience of seeking information from munic-ipal internet pages and providers was less empowering, indicating a need for improvements concerning organiza-tional HL and PCC.
Discussion
With increased HL, a person in need of an assistive de-vice could potentially be more of an equal partner. Today, however, the process may offer less possibilities of em-powerment: The person being assessed is not entitled to define her/his personal needs, regardless of present HL. Instead, the SDS does not only have the advantage of in-formation, but also the privilege to define the actual needs of the person. Hence, there is not only an issue with lack of organizational HL, but also with the incite-ments of the person in need of a device to become more health literate if one’s knowledge nevertheless is ignored. In order to increase empowerment in conjunction with increased HL, increased PCC may be warranted, e.g. integrating the person in the team deciding on possi-ble alternatives. However, for this to be viapossi-ble, profes-sionals may have to accept lower levels of control over the process in relation to the person involved.
Conclusions
To acknowledge the person as a partner can be attained by means of PCC. However, to be a partner may require increased HL. On the other hand, increased HL can em-power a person to take a more active part in the process, in turn supporting PCC. Hence, PCC and HL may affect and depend on each other, strengthening one another as components in a positive chain of empowerment and in-creased quality of life.
Background
A person in need of an assistive device, whether an emerging need or as a replacement, stands before a num-ber of challenges, not only concerning how to gain a de-vice with adequate properties, but also concerning knowledge on these properties per se. Earlier research has revealed that user experiences of having sufficient in-formation is closely related to device satisfaction. Lack of involvement may result in discontinuance, or the use of a sub-optimal device due to not having any other choice, resulting in reduced health and lower quality of life.
In Sweden, supply of mobility-related assistive devic-es (e.g. manual wheelchairs and walkers) is mainly a mu-nicipal responsibility. General guidelines are provided by national health-care legislation. Professionals may listen to user opinions, but the legislation endows no rights to the person to demand a specific type of device: Decisions made cannot be appealed. Instead, there is an obligation to supply the devices deemed necessary by the profession.
Aims
The aim is to discuss the experience among persons who seek information on assistive devices and the provision thereof, through internet pages and contacts with the SDS (Service delivery system), in relation to HL (Health literacy) and PCC (Person-centered care).
Methods
A combined analysis of data from two earlier studies was performed, focusing general and overall process perspec-tives. Study 1 described the experience of seeking infor-mation on assistive devices and provision from municipal internet pages [1], and study 2 described the experience of personal contacts with municipal providers in order to gain further information on assistive devices and provi-sion [2]. Parts of the analysis are also based on [3].
Results and analysis
Results from study 1 and study 2 indicated that internet pages and providers were perceived as lacking infor-mation on assistive devices, whereas inforinfor-mation on the
References
[1] Krantz, O. (2015) Information om tekniska hjälpmedel på skånska kommuners hemsidor. Socialmedicinsk tidskrift, 92(5) 594-604.
[2] Krantz, O. & Örmon, K. (2015) Upplevelser av information vid kontakt med kommunala hjälpmedelsförskrivare. Socialmedicinsk tidskrift, 92(5) 605-14.
[3] Krantz, O. & Örmon, K. (2016) Municipal information on assistive devices in Sweden. Life Span and Disability, 19(2) [forthcoming].
Postal address: Malmö University • Health and Society • 205 06 Malmö • Sweden • Phone: +46 40 - 665 78 15 Visiting address: Gäddan • Citadellsvägen 7 • Malmö • Internet: www.mah.se
Oskar Krantz
PhD, Senior lecturer oskar.krantz@mah.se
FACULTY OF HEALTH AND SOCIETY • DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
Karin Örmon
MNSc, PhD, Senior lecturer karin.ormon@mah.se
