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Matching Person and Technology (MPT)

Assessment Process.

Marcia J. Scherer, Ph.D., MPH
Institute for Matching Person & Technology
486 Lake Road
Webster, NY 14580 USA
585-671-3461 (phone/fax)

Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Rochester Medical Center
601 Elmwood Ave., P.O. Box 664
Rochester, NY 14642 USA

A good match of person and technology requires attention to aspects of the environments in which the technology will be used, the needs and preferences of the user, and the functions and features of the technology. If the match is not a quality one from the standpoint of the consumer, the technology may not be used, or will not be used optimally.

The Matching Person & Technology (MPT) Model and assessment instruments has been effective in organizing the influences impacting technology use. It consists of instruments which have been validated for use by persons with disabilities ages 15 and up (a measure targeted to technology use by infants and children has also been developed: Matching Assistive Technology and CHild or MATCH, as has a version relevant to matching people with service animals).

The MPT is a practical and research resource to identify the most appropriate technology for a person in light of the user's needs and goals, barriers that may exist to optimal technology use, areas to target for training for optimal use, and the type of additional support that may enhance use. After the person has received the most appropriate technology for his or her use, the MPT forms are administered at one or more times post Assistive Technology (AT) acquisition to assess changes in perceived capabilities, quality of life/subjective well-being, and such psychosocial factors as self-esteem, mood, self-determination, and social participation and support.

The Matching Person and Technology (MPT) process is both a personal and collaborative (user and provider working together) assessment and consists of a series of paper-and-pencil measures that can also be used as interview guides. A range of assessesments are offered from a quick screen, to specialized evaluations (which can be completed in approximately 15 minutes) to a comprehensive assessment (which can be completed in 45 minutes by someone trained and experienced in using the forms). The MPT process is applicable across a variety of users and settings. Of particular interest for this article is the form, "Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA).

The development and validation of the ATD PA followed the recommended steps for test/measure construction as follows: (1) concept definition and clarification, (2) draft of items and response scales, (3) pilot testing, and (4) determination of measure quality and usefulness.

Based on the results of research studies conducted to date, the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment has been shown to have good reliability and validity and, thus, it can be concluded that it is a useful measure both clinically and in outcomes research.

Studies related to the psychometric properties of the ATD PA include evidence for:

• Inter-rater Reliability;
• Internal Consistency;
• Criterion-Related Validity;
• Concurrent and Construct Validity;
• Predictive Validity.

MPT results have been used clinically and incorporated into AT funding requests and justification reports as well as program evaluations. Users of the MPT measures have reported high satisfaction with the usefulness of the ATD PA in selecting AT options that match not only the individual's strengths and participatory needs, but also look at his/her preferences. This information is then balanced with the characteristics of the environment in which the technology will be used along with the features and functions of the technology itself.

As a result of a research grant to the Institute for Matching Person & Technology from the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, U.S. National Institutes of Health, the ATD PA consumer form has been revised to be more in keeping with the intent of WHO's ICF and consumer social participation. Subscales include subjective quality of life, mood and self-esteem, self-determination, social support, and therapist and program trust. Additionally, up to three devices can be compared against twelve different criteria. Data on the validity of the ATD PA in a partnership approach to AT selection, training and outcomes is an on-going focus of the pioneering model of AT service delivery being used now in Ireland.

MPT users have said that they require more training in how to maximize benefit from the MPT process and measures and they would like the forms to be scored and interpreted, with a particular focus on next steps and strategies to pursue with consumers. Currently, a beta prototype exists of computerized scoring with interpretations of the results and a CD interactive program which trains users in the comprehensive MPT process. Updated information about these resources, as well as general developments with the MPT assessments, can be obtained from the homepage of the Institute for Matching Person & Technology.