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Rogers, E. M. Diffusion of innovations
Rogers, E. M. Diffusion of innovations
Rogers, E. M. Diffusion of innovations
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For this innovation project, students will research and analyze essential tremors and create a portable device to assist patients with fine motor skills in regards to eating with a utensil. Dr. Marc A. Marcum, father, husband, retired general surgeon and essential tremor patient, inspired students to create the ET Assist. Essential tremor is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary, rhythmic sharking, especially in the hands (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2014). Essential tremor usually occurs with movements and can occur during many different types of activities such as, eating, drinking, or writing. Essential tremor often worsens when muscles are opposing gravity when hands are extended (Essential Tremor Handbook). It is usually …show more content…
Everett M. Rogers, creator of the theory, states “diffusion is the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social system,” (Rogers 1995). According to Rogers, the four main elements to diffuse the new idea are the innovation, communication channels, time and context. The characteristics an innovation needs to succeed are relative advantage, compatibility, complexity and trial-ability (Rogers 1995). The ET Assist is more likely to succeed if the communication channels are clear and open. Mass media channels like the Home Shopping Network or QVC are more effective in creating knowledge of the product. Interpersonal channels are more helpful when the attitude about the product needs to change, in turn influencing other patients and families to try the product. Rogers refers to this influential thought process as the innovation-decision process, “a mental process through which an individual passes from first knowledge of an innovation to forming an attitude toward the innovation, to a decision to adopt or reject, and to confirmation of this decision,” (Rogers 1995). In order for future buyers to become invested in this product Roger installed a five-step process to decrease uncertainty about an innovation’s expected lifespan. First, it is imperative for students to educate patients and families about …show more content…
The purpose and idea behind the ET Assist is to create a portable, weighted grip that attaches to existing silverware. This allows the patient to go to restaurants, tailgates and dinner parties with the product to attach to utensils rather than carrying the embarrassing, existing product with them or being forced to eat without one. Prototypes will be developed that are dishwasher safe, available in packages of 3 utensils in attractive colors. The concept of being portable and attractive set the ET Assist apart from its competition. The materials, latches, and weights of the ET Assist have yet to be determined. Students have been advised to not share the technological ideas until a patent is filed. However, the prototypes will be pilot tested amongst patients and therapists, feedback will be taken into consideration and edits will be made. Students are open to the option of selling the patent and licensing the technology to an existing utensil or kitchenware company. Prices will be determined once the materials and manufacturing costs have been set. Students are not opposed to launching the ET Assist in a big-box retailer; however, it is a risky market for this type of medical
In this paper I will discuss two different case studies. The first case study involves a 35-month old girl named Kim who struggles with meal time, potty training, and play time with others. I will discuss four assistive technology devices, that would work for Kim. These devices will assist Kim with balance, mobility and undressing. The second case study involves a school age child name Billy, who struggles with benchmark objectives. Billy is in the fourth grade and use Assistive technology devices reading and math. I will discuss different AT devices that can be used to assist Billy with reading and math.
It is important to note, however, that there are no reviews on the aforementioned product, therefore, it is not possible to ascertain if the tactile stimulation the VINCENTevolution 2 provides is satisfactory. Prosthetics, especially prosthetic hands would be revolutionized by the integration of tactile sensation. Not only would it make the prosthetic easier to use as the integration would prevent slip and allow for more successful application of grasping forces, but it could also alleviate ailments that often accompany limb amputation such as phantom pain by using heater arrays that can maintain body temperature, giving artificial limbs a more natural
“The purpose of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) is to provide a comprehensive and thorough assistive technology assessment process” (Barbara, n.d., para. 14). WATI consists of an Assistive Technology Consideration Guide that is made like a table. Horizontally the table entails tasks that the student might be expected to complete in the classroom. Vertically the table asks if the student completes the tasks with special accommodations or AT devices. It also asks what new assistive technology the student will try (Marino, 2006). The ultimate goal of the WATI is to consider different types of AT, and to ensure that the student receives the best services and accommodations. Which will allow the student to learn the curriculum to his/ her full potential and meet the IEP and IFSP objectives (Barbara,
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the community resulting in significant disability. This global problem has consumed the lives of many. “Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, and this number does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected” (Statistics on Parkinson’s, 2014). Once this unbiased disease has begun to affect the patient it is a lifelong battle. Parkinson’s disease has a tremendous impact on the patient as they battle for their independence and plead for their acceptance into their own community setting. People living with Parkinson’s disease struggle with tremors, bradykinesia and rigidity. It takes a skilled nurse to be able to care for the patient suffering with Parkinson. With education, support and exercise the patient will be able to feel some sense of hope for their future. The purpose of this paper to is educate the community about Parkinson’s disease and the impact on the patient and on the nurse caring for the patient.
The basal ganglia are part of the extrapyramidal system and work in conjunction with the motor cortex in providing movement and serve as the relay center. Damage to this area results in Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, the second most common form of cerebral palsy. Involuntary purposeless movements, particularly in the arms, hands, and facial muscles, characterize Athetosis. In addition, the individual can become “stuck” in abnormal positions or postures and require specific positioning to maintain more normal tome and
Parkinson's is an idiopathic, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that attacks neurotransmitters in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine is concentrated in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. The neurotransmitter dopamine is a chemical that regulates muscle movement and emotion. Dopamine is responsible for relaying messages between the substantia nigra and other parts of the brain to control body movement. The death of these neurotransmitters affects the central nervous system. The most common symptoms are movement related, including shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with posture. Behavioral problems may arise as the disease progresses. Due to the loss of dopamine, Parkinson's patients will often experience depression and some compulsive behavior. In advanced stages of the disease dementia will sometimes occur. The implications of the disease on the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and phonatory systems significantly control speech.
1 – Resting tremor: It generally starts unilaterally in the upper extremities as shakiness in the thumb or fingers. It may then extend to the lower limbs or...
...tes possibilities of collision and clogging of ideas during the implementation stage. Within these factors, the therapy is essential in ensuring that different problems are addressed using personalized ideas.
(2003). Assistive technology guide. Schwab Learning. (3), 5-31. Retrieved September 27, 2004 from The Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation database.
Innovation is defined as generation of new ideas or application of new ideas to existing situations to improve productivity, quality of care, and outcomes. Some of the principles of innovation are creative problem-solving; open, assertive communication to empower
Technology's promise for the disabled. By: Bridis, Ted. Community College Week, 05/18/98, Vol. 10 Issue 21, p15
The most prominent of those scholars is Everett M. Rogers who is considered to be the foremost authority on the diffusion of innovation theory. He published his first book The Diffusion of Innovation in 1962, in it he compiled about five hundred different studies conducted by other researchers and from that he postulated that a unifying theory could explain why, how and at what rate innovations would be adopted by a certain culture (Singhal 2003). E.M. Rogers as stated compiled other people’s research, which were predominately surveys of individuals, from that research he was able find the elements that he believed had an impact on diffusion. One of the strengths of this theory is that it can be used on an individual, group, or some other social order, which makes it qui...
Wetherby, M. (2012). Some assistive technologies can help all students. Disability Compliance for Higher Education, 17(6), 7. doi: 10.1002/dhe
... CLD info sheets: assistive technology. Council for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved on April 24, 2005, from http://www.cldinternational.org/c/@CS_yKIo7l8ozY/Pages/assistive.html
Coyne, Kevin P., Patricia G. Clifford, and Renée Dye. Breakthrough Thinking from Inside the Box. Harvard Business Review (2007): 71-78. Print. The.