263 My Assistive Technology Guide web app: Supporting physicians in addressing disabilities in older adults

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: Primary care physicians (PCPs) have limited awareness of assistive technology (AT) devices that can improve the daily functioning of older adults. This study aimed to assess the quality of the My Assistive Technology Guide (MATG), an informative web app, among PCPs and to describe their experiences using it. Methods/Study Population: In this pilot project, our team – comprising an established researcher, an undergraduate faculty member, and a graduate student – enrolled ten PCPs. In Phase I, the PCPs received training on how to use the MATG and were encouraged to utilize it for 30 days. At the end of this usage period, we implemented a concurrent parallel mixed-method design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were gathered using the User Mobile Application Scale (uMARS), while qualitative data was obtained through interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Results/Anticipated Results: The mean score for the subjective quality of the MATG was high, 4.1 ± 1.1. The information domain received the highest rating, with a mean score of 4.6 ± 0.51, while the engagement domain received the lowest rating, at 3.3 ± 1.5. Overall, subjective quality was rated moderately high (mean 3.9, interquartile range 1.2), with perceived impact rated the highest at 4.8 ± 0.4. PCPs reported increased awareness, knowledge, attitude, intention, and behaviors to learn about AT and to inform and recommend AT devices to older adults. In addition, PCPs provided suggestions to improve the MGAT and its integration into their medical practice. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The results demonstrated the high quality and utility of the MATG, indicating that it could serve as a valuable resource for PCPs in addressing functional disabilities among older adults. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of the MATG in enhancing older adults’ function in daily living activities.