Page 7 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

Preface

Both the editors are leads of assistive technology services who regularly train engineers
and therapists in the assessment, prescription and provision of electronic assistive tech-
nology (EAT). They identified that there was a gap in the market for a book specifically con-
cerning EATs to support the new entrant to the field. The Handbook of Electronic Assistive
Technology is a text intended for engineering and therapy students, healthcare trainees,
professionals working in allied fields and academics working and teaching these topics.
The authors are all experienced practising clinicians and academics working in this field.
The book starts with chapters on the basics of neuroanatomy and physiology, cognition
and postural management because understanding these areas in practice is a prerequisite
to any EAT intervention. The most commonly found EATs are then described with some
background as to how these devices have evolved, how they are provided in the United
Kingdom and essential assessment considerations. Some chapters are supported by real
life case studies that are intended to support the reader by demonstrating how theories
have been put into practice.
Emerging areas of assistive technology are also covered such as robotics and assisted
living because these are likely to develop and become an accepted part of a range of strate-
gies used to support people with disabilities and the older person to remain independent
in their own homes.
The book was commissioned following both editors contributing to another Elsevier
text, Clinical Engineering: A Handbook for Clinical and Biomedical Engineers. This covered
many fundamental engineering areas and for this reason basic clinical engineering sub-
jects are not included in this EAT handbook. The editors would recommend it to therapists
and other clinicians who wish to expand their knowledge base, or engineers unfamiliar
with medical device management.
As demonstrated by the many disciplines of the authors who took part in the writing
of this book, EAT is a multi-disciplinary subject area and so this handbook is intended
for a range of disciplines. While this book is about “technology” the focus is given to the
underlying principles and how they are applied, rather than to the specifics of a technol-
ogy because this is rapidly changing. It is anticipated that most readers will have some
understanding of the topic and are familiar with the terminologies mentioned. However,
readers without any background should also be able to gain from this book and find it a
valuable reference.

xv