Assistive technology: an analysis of the concept

Objective: to analyse the concept of Assistive Technology. Method: a conceptual analysis study, using the steps of the Concept Analysis Model: choice of concept, determining the objectives of the analysis, identification of the concept uses, determining the defining attributes, identifying model cases, developing other cases, identifying antecedents and consequences, and definition of empirical benchmarks. Searches in SciELO, Scopus, BDENF, Medline and LILACS were conducted, using the term Assistive Technology. Articles that discussed the concept in question were selected and analysed according to the Concept Analysis Method. Results: technology and training were shown to be precedents. As for attributes representing the concept, terms such as interdisciplinary area of knowledge, resources, services, methodologies, strategies, practices, products, technology and equipment were found. The resulting identified were autonomy, independence, better functional performance, increased quality of life. Conclusion: It is important to understand the concept of assistive technology for the practice of health care professionals, specifically nurses. Descriptors: Assistive Technology; Concept Formation; Health; Nursing. RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o conceito de Tecnologia Assistiva. Método: estudo de análise conceitual, utilizando as etapas do Modelo de Análise de Conceito: escolha do conceito, determinação dos objetivos da análise, identificação dos usos do conceito, determinação dos atributos definidores, identificação de casos modelo, desenvolvimento de outros casos, identificação de antecedentes e consequentes, e definição dos referenciais empíricos. Realizaram-se buscas nas bases SciELO, Scopus, BDENF, Medline, LILACS, utilizando o termo Tecnologia Assistiva. Selecionaram-se artigos que discutiam o conceito em estudo, analisados de acordo com o Método de Análise de Conceito. Resultados: evidenciaram-se tecnologia e treinamento como antecedentes. Quanto aos atributos que representaram o conceito, verificaram-se ...