Healthy Home Lab Technology Evaluation: ShowerSteady - End Users

STUDY BASICS

Do you have difficulty showering/bathing independently? The University of Pittsburgh’s Healthy Home Laboratory is gathering feedback on ShowerSteady, a technology designed to help people shower and bathe independently. Participants will be asked to interact with the technology and give their opinion on its design and how it can be improved. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this research project is to gather feedback on the ShowerSteady system. The ShowerSteady system is a novel technology designed to help individuals shower and bathe safely and independently. The ShowerSteady system can be adapted with additional grab bars, tub benches, soap holders, and other essential accessories, catering to the broad range of needs and abilities of users and adapting to changes over time.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Are 18 years or older
• Have difficulty showering/bathing independently without the use of adaptations or durable medical equipment
• Walk independently with or without a cane, walker, or other ambulatory aide
• Can transfer into a tub/shower using grab bars or with minimal help from a caregiver or family member (tub height of approximately 15 inches)
• Can transfer to/from a seated position with little help from others or with the use of a grab bar
• Can remain sitting independently without help from others

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

• Participants will fill out a brief online consent form and questionnaires (approximately 10-15 minutes), containing questions covering basic demographic information- such as age, gender identity, disability type (if relevant) as well as your contact information.
• In-person focus group discussion and to participate in an interactive demonstration of the product.  Participants will be asked to
  • interact with the ShowerSteady system to perform activities of daily living pertaining to showering/bathing. Participants will be asked to perform their regular shower/bath routine using ShowerSteady Activities will include entering and exiting the shower/bathtub (e.g., transferring in and out of the shower or tub, stepping into or over the bathtub edge), standing and moving in the shower (e.g., maintaining balance while showering, reaching and bending, and others; and
  • provide feedback about ShowerSteady’s and the attachable component’s functionality and appearance.