The technology we have, the technology we use, the technology we want

Title : The technology we have, the technology we use, the technology we want

Abstract:

Technology is evolving and having a colossal and important impact on rehabilitation.  From artificial intelligence summaries of electronic medical records to precision diagnostic tools to therapeutic advances, the daily routine and toolkit of the rehabilitation provider has changed drastically over a very short time.    Options presented to the recipients of our rehabilitation services have also greatly expanded and have enabled individuals of all ages with disabilities and chronic conditions to have products and services tailored to their unique situations to enable lives of quality to an extent not possible until recently.  In this context, we can be seen as moving from an Information Age to include an Age of Individuality where ever more abundant technology options can make meeting individual needs and preferences more achievable. However, with choice can come choice overload.  And with so many options available, it is crucial to select the option that meets the unique person’s needs and preferences while accounting for both constraints and supports in the physical and social environment as well as the available technology characteristics.  While this is true for the individuals we serve, it is also true for us as professionals and providers.   Individualization within wider collaboration and integrative service delivery will largely determine our success.

Biography:

Dr. Scherer is founding President of the Institute for Matching Person & Technology.  She is also Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology and Co-Editor of the CRC Press book series, Rehabilitation Science in Practice Series.   Dr. Scherer developed the Matching Person and Technology model and assessments that are used globally to guide technology selection and outcomes measurement.  Marcia authored a trilogy of books describing the impact of various categories of technology devices and services on people’s life quality.  She has authored, edited, or co-edited ten other books.  She and her collaborators have published 98 articles on disability and rehabilitation in peer-reviewed scientific journals, 58 published proceedings papers, and 43 book chapters. She served as co-convener of the World Health Organization’s 2017 global assistive technology summit which led to a set of journal articles fundamental in the World Health Organization’s General Assembly 2018 resolution to improve global access to assistive technology.