Trial Title Fit for Purpose: Understanding User Needs and Real-World Use of Assistive Technology for Upper-Limb Challenges
Describe the trial aims People with neurological or neuromuscular conditions may experience difficulties using their arms and hands in everyday life. Assistive technology, such as adapted equipment, communication devices, eye-gaze systems or computer access tools, may help people complete activities more independently.This project aims to understand what people need and want from assistive technology and whether current technologies are practical and useful in everyday life. We are particularly interested in which activities people would like support with their experiences using assistive technology, barriers such as cost or access, and the features they would value in future technology.

The findings will help identify where assistive technology may not fully meet users’ needs and may inform future research and technology development.
Required eligibility to participate in the trial Participants must be aged 18 years or older and living with Parkinson’s disease, with difficulties affecting the use of their arms or hands in everyday activities. Participants may currently use, have previously used, or potentially benefit from assistive technology. The survey can be completed independently, with assistance, or by a family member/carer on behalf of an eligible participant.
Restrictions/ineligibility People are not eligible if they are under 18 years of age, do not have Parkinson’s disease, or do not experience any difficulty or limitation affecting the use of their arms or hands in everyday activities.People who do not currently use assistive technology may still participate if they may benefit from it in the future.
Date the trial is open from 2026-10-29
Date the trial closes 2026-11-08
Where the trial takes place online
How can I get involved? Participate in our survey!

Survey link: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_8nXJKf9xn7eXrQW
Funding acknowledgements
ETHICS Number nil
Contact Name Julian Tan
Position Student at the University of Melbourne
Contact Phone Number 0423466050
Email [email protected]
Cover Image View File
Happy middle aged man with neat white beard and glasses looking at a laptop

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