Contributing to the support of individuals with the use of electronic assistive technology Cyfrannu at gefnogi unigolion gan ddefnyddio technoleg gynorthwyol electronig
Rights, values and electronic assistive technology Hawliau, gwerthoedd a thechnoleg gynorthwyol electronig

Electronic assistive technology plays a key role in promoting and protecting the individual’s well-being and rights.

One way that this can be achieved is involving the individual in the assessment of their needs and allowing them to choose appropriate electronic assistive technology that can be used to meet their needs.

Electronic assistive technology can support individuals to:

• live independently at home
• manage complex health conditions
• live with dignity
• stay connected to others
• stay safe
• promote well-being.

Electronic assistive technology may help carers to support an individual’s everyday activities around the house. This can help to reduce the risk of unplanned hospital admissions or permanent moves into residential care.

Positives:

• safer living environments
• reduction in support services
• access to education and employment
• support in rehabilitation.

Electronic assistive technology has the potential to support the independent living of people with complex disabilities in a community setting and assist carers with their work. There are a wide range of devices and services that can be integrated into the care environment which may be used in a range of applications, for example to manage risk, support self-management of chronic disease, and enable independence in the home.

The clinical application of electronic assistive technology is broad; it includes:

• individuals with autism
• individuals with physical disability
• individuals living with chronic disease
• individuals living with dementia.

Positives:

The aims of electronic assistive technology may include:

• improving quality of life and well-being for a person and their carers
• increasing safety and independence.
• reducing unplanned hospital admissions and emergency ambulance call outs
• reducing pressure on GPs and nurses
• management of long-term conditions
• independence
• person-centred approach.

Negatives:

• conflicts and challenge
• reduced human contact
• technology may be installed without the individual’s consent
• monitoring of the individual’s movements
• more rapid loss of skills than may not have otherwise been the case:
• communication
• language
• mobility
• right to confidentiality
• misused or negligently passed into the wrong hands.

Mae technoleg gynorthwyol electronig yn chwarae rhan allweddol yn y gwaith o hyrwyddo a diogelu llesiant a hawliau'r unigolyn.

Un ffordd y gellir cyflawni hyn yw cynnwys yr unigolyn yn yr asesiad o'i anghenion a chaniatáu iddynt ddewis technoleg gynorthwyol electronig briodol y gellir ei defnyddio i ddiwallu eu hanghenion.

Gall technoleg gynorthwyol electronig gynorthwyo unigolion i:

• byw'n annibynnol gartref
• rheoli cyflyrau iechyd cymhleth
• byw gydag urddas
• aros yn gysylltiedig ag eraill
• cadw'n ddiogel
• hybu llesiant.

Gall technoleg gynorthwyol electronig helpu gofalwyr i gefnogi gweithgareddau bob dydd yr unigolyn o amgylch y tŷ. Gall hyn helpu i leihau'r risg o dderbyniadau heb eu trefnu i'r ysbyty neu symud yn barhaol i ofal preswyl.

Cadarnhaol:

• amgylcheddau byw mwy diogel
• gostyngiad mewn gwasanaethau cefnogi
• mynediad i addysg a chyflogaeth
• cymorth i adsefydlu.

Mae gan dechnoleg gynorthwyol electronig y potensial i gefnogi pobl ag anableddau cymhleth fyw'n annibynnol mewn lleoliad cymunedol a chynorthwyo gofalwyr gyda'u gwaith. Mae amrywiaeth eang o ddyfeisiau a gwasanaethau y gellir eu hintegreiddio i'r amgylchedd gofal y gellir eu defnyddio mewn ystod o gymwysiadau, er enghraifft i reoli risg, cefnogi hunanreoli clefydau cronig a galluogi annibyniaeth yn y cartref.

Mae'r defnydd clinigol o dechnoleg gynorthwyol electronig yn eang; mae’n cynnwys:

• unigolion ag awtistiaeth
• unigolion ag anabledd corfforol
• unigolion sy'n byw gydag afiechyd cronig
• unigolion sy'n byw gyda dementia.

Cadarnhaol:

Gall nodau technoleg gynorthwyol electronig gynnwys:

• gwella ansawdd bywyd a llesiant person a'i ofalwyr
• gwella diogelwch ac annibyniaeth.
• lleihau derbyniadau heb eu cynllunio i'r ysbyty a galwadau ambiwlans brys
• lleihau'r pwysau ar feddygon teulu a nyrsys
• rheoli cyflyrau hirdymor
• annibyniaeth
• dull sy'n canolbwyntio ar yr unigolyn.

Negyddol:

• gwrthdaro a her
• llai o gyswllt dynol
• gall technoleg gael ei gosod heb ganiatâd yr unigolyn
• monitro symudiadau'r unigolyn
• colli sgiliau yn gynt nag a fyddai wedi digwydd fel arall o bosibl:
• cyfathrebu
• iaith
• symudedd
• yr hawl i gyfrinachedd
• wedi'u camddefnyddio neu wedi'u rhoi'n esgeulus yn y dwylo anghywir.

The aspirations of older or disabled people are similar to everyone else’s; they want to be seen as individuals with a range of friendships and relationships.

Most older people want to live in their own homes, they want to be independent, to be as healthy as possible and most of all, they want to be in control of their lives. They do not want others to define their limitations, however the people around the individual can become risk adverse and limit choices and experiences for fear of potential harm.

Positive risk taking acknowledges that some of the choices individuals make do have inherent risks attached, and recognises the need to minimise risk. Risk cannot be eliminated altogether.

Electronic assistive technology can support positive risk taking. By accessing electronic assistive technology, individuals and carers will feel protected and safe. Individuals will be given choices and the outcomes they want based on their needs and wants. By accessing electronic assistive technology, individuals and carers will be enabled to take measured risks promoting independence and control.

Electronic assistive technology also allows the individual to have an equal opportunity to share in the technology world.

Electronic assistive technology supports positive risk taking by:

• increased choice, control and independence
• increased safety
• allowing use in a variety of settings.

Mae dyheadau pobl hŷn neu anabl yn debyg i ddyheadau pawb arall; maent am gael eu gweld fel unigolion sydd ag amrywiaeth o gyfeillgarwch a pherthnasau.

Mae’r rhan fwyaf o bobl hŷn am fyw yn eu cartrefi eu hunain, maent am fod yn annibynnol, i fod mor iach â phosibl ac yn bennaf oll, maent am reoli eu bywydau. Nid ydynt am i eraill ddiffinio eu cyfyngiadau, fodd bynnag gall y bobl o amgylch yr unigolyn fod yn llai parod i gymryd risigiau a gallant gyfyngu ar ddewisiadau a phrofiadau gan fod ganddynt ofn y gallant achosi niwed.

Mae cymryd risgiau cadarnhaol yn cydnabod bod rhai penderfyniadau sy’n cael ei gwneud gan yr unigolyn yn agored i risigiau cynhenid, ac yn cydnabod yr angen i leihau risg. Ni all cael gwared ar risgiau yn gyfan gwbl.

Bydd technoleg gynorthwyol electronig yn helpu i amddiffyn unigolion sy'n agored i niwed rhag niwed. Drwy ddefnyddio technoleg gynorthwyol electronig, bydd unigolion a gofalwyr yn teimlo'n ddiogel ac wedi'u diogelu. Bydd unigolion yn cael dewis, a bydd y canlyniadau y maent am eu cael ar sail eu hanghenion. Drwy ddefnyddio technoleg gynorthwyol electronig, bydd unigolion a gofalwyr yn cael eu galluogi i gymryd risgiau mesuredig er mwyn hybu annibyniaeth a rheolaeth.

Mae technoleg gynorthwyol electronig hefyd yn galluogi'r unigolyn i gael cyfle cyfartal i rannu yn y byd technoleg.

Mae technoleg gynorthwyol electronig yn cefnogi cymryd risg gadarnhaol drwy'r canlynol:

• mwy o ddewis, rheolaeth ac annibyniaeth
• diogelwch uwch
• caniatáu defnydd mewn amrywiaeth o osodiadau.

Obtaining consent

All efforts should be made to seek consent from the individual before considering the use of assistive technology as this equipment should not be considered as a separate part of an individual’s care, but integral to the care offered by professionals and part of the overall care planning process.

Whilst using electronic assistive technology has many benefits for the individual, the rights and wishes of the individual must also be considered.

Consent for the use of electronic assistive technology from the individual concerned must be obtained and respected.

Research has shown that if the individual’s views on the device selection have not been sought and considered then they will not use the technology.

Therefore, the individual being included in all decisions is vital if assistive technology is to be implemented effectively.

If the person is unable to consent to the provision of assistive technology, due to a lack of capacity, equipment may still be provided in line with the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

Cael caniatâd

Dylid gwneud pob ymdrech i geisio cydsyniad yr unigolyn cyn ystyried defnyddio technoleg gynorthwyol gan na ddylid ystyried yr offer hwn yn rhan ar wahân o ofal yr unigolyn, ond yn hanfodol i'r gofal a gynigir gan weithwyr proffesiynol a rhan o'r broses gyffredinol o gynllunio gofal.

Er bod llawer o fanteision i'r unigolyn yn deillio o ddefnyddio technoleg gynorthwyol electronig, rhaid ystyried hawliau a dymuniadau'r unigolyn hefyd.

Rhaid cael caniatâd i ddefnyddio technoleg gynorthwyol electronig gan yr unigolyn dan sylw a'i barchu.

Mae ymchwil wedi dangos, os nad yw barn yr unigolyn ar y dewis o ddyfais wedi'i cheisio a'i ystyried yna ni fydd yn defnyddio'r dechnoleg.

Felly, mae cynnwys yr unigolyn ym mhob penderfyniad yn hanfodol er mwyn i dechnoleg gynorthwyol gael ei gweithredu'n effeithiol.

Os nad yw’r unigolyn yn gallu cydsynio gyda’r ddarpariaeth o dechnoleg gynorthwyol, gall offer ei ddarparu o hyd yn unol â’r Ddeddf Galluedd Meddyliol (2005).

When supporting the use of electronic assistive technology, it is important to ensure that you are respecting and promoting the dignity, autonomy, privacy and confidentiality from the individual and their caregiver.

This can be achieved by:

Supporting dignity, privacy and confidentiality

• ensuring that any offer of support in the safe use of a new devise is not demeaning to the individual
• ensuring that the individual feels that the use of the device was their choice and not something that was forced on them
• allowing the individual to perform tasks independently
• allowing the individual to use the device to help with personal care so that the individual can maintain their privacy
• ensuring that the carers follow correct policies and procedures regarding the viewing and sharing of personal data
• ensuring that data is secure and cannot be hacked.

Supporting autonomy

• empowering the individual to make their own choices and live as independently as possible
• allowing the individual to regain some control over caring for themselves and their family
• allowing the individual to take positive risks.

Wrth gefnogi'r defnydd o dechnoleg gynorthwyol electronig, mae'n bwysig sicrhau eich bod yn parchu ac yn hybu urddas, ymreolaeth, preifatrwydd a chyfrinachedd yr unigolyn a'i ofalwr.

Gellir gwneud hyn trwy'r canlynol:

Cefnogi urddas, preifatrwydd a chyfrinachedd

• sicrhau nad yw unrhyw gynnig o gymorth i ddefnyddio dyfais newydd yn ddiraddiol i'r unigolyn
• sicrhau bod yr unigolyn yn teimlo mai ei ddewis ef yw defnyddio'r ddyfais ac nid rhywbeth a orfodwyd arno
• caniatáu i'r unigolyn gyflawni tasgau'n annibynnol
• caniatáu i'r unigolyn ddefnyddio'r ddyfais i helpu gyda gofal personol fel y gall yr unigolyn gynnal ei breifatrwydd.
• sicrhau bod y gofalwyr yn dilyn y polisïau a'r gweithdrefnau cywir o ran edrych ar ddata personol a'i rannu
• sicrhau bod data yn ddiogel ac na ellir ei hacio.

Cefnogi ymreolaeth

• grymuso'r unigolyn i wneud ei ddewisiadau ei hun a byw mor annibynnol â phosib.
• caniatáu i'r unigolyn adennill rhywfaint o reolaeth dros ofalu am ei hun a'i deulu
• caniatáu i'r unigolyn gymryd risgiau cadarnhaol.

Consent

Consent is particularly important when choosing to use electric assistive technology and selecting the equipment to use. The individual using the electric assistive technology must be involved in any decisions, and their consent must be sought and gained.

In some cases, this may not be possible if the individual lacks capacity to make this specific decision. In these cases, decisions need to be made in the individual’s best interests and must also be the least restrictive option.

The Mental Capacity Act (2005) sets out the law around making decisions in these situations.

Using agreed processes to establish consent

When an individual is not able to express informed consent for themselves, other options need to be explored and agreed in the best interest of the individual. A best interest decision will be made, taking into account the purpose of the technology and how the individual might benefit from it. The decision makers need to ensure the following when making decisions on behalf of someone else:

• Non-maleficence – They need to be confident that the decision to use the device will not do more harm than good to the individual. For example, they should consider whether there is a risk that a piece of equipment may lead to more confusion or distress.
• Beneficence – They need to be confident that the intended use of the device would be beneficial to the individual. For example, using a device that will give the individual access to help if they fall.
• Autonomy - They need to be sure that the intended use of the device will not restrict the individual’s freedom of choice. For example, if a device such as a sensor mat, used to help monitor falls risk, was used just to discourage the individual from getting up or walking, then it would be denying the individual’s independence. The device would need to be used in conjunction with carer support to allow the individual to get up and walk around safely.
• Justice – They will need to consider whether the decision they make is fair and that the individual is receiving support that is appropriate for them.

Ultimately, nobody should be forced into using technology they don’t want, and technology should only be used when it’s needed. Each person’s individual needs should be considered carefully when weighing up the pros and cons of any device.

Cydsyniad

Mae caniatâd yn arbennig o bwysig wrth ddewis defnyddio technoleg gynorthwyol drydanol a dewis yr offer i'w ddefnyddio. Rhaid i'r unigolyn sy'n defnyddio'r dechnoleg gynorthwyol drydanol fod yn rhan o unrhyw benderfyniadau, a rhaid ceisio a chael ei ganiatâd.

Mewn rhai achosion, efallai na fydd hyn yn bosibl os nad oes gan yr unigolyn alluedd i wneud penderfyniadau penodol hyn. Yn yr achosion hyn, mae angen gwneud penderfyniadau er lles gorau'r unigolyn a rhaid iddo hefyd fod y dewis lleiaf cyfyngol.

Mae'r Ddeddf Galluedd Meddyliol (2005) yn nodi'r gyfraith sy'n ymwneud â gwneud penderfyniadau yn y sefyllfaoedd hyn.

Defnyddio prosesau y cytunwyd arnynt i sefydlu cydsyniad

Pan na fydd unigolyn yn gallu mynegi cydsyniad gwybodus ei hun, mae angen ystyried opsiynau eraill a chytuno arnynt er budd yr unigolyn. Bydd penderfyniad budd gorau i’r unigolyn yn cael ei wneud, gan ystyried pwrpas y technoleg a sut y bydd yr unigolyn yn elwa ohono. Bydd rhaid i’r rhai sy’n gwneud y penderfyniadau sicrhau’r canlynol pan fyddant yn gwneud penderfyniadau ar ran rhywun arall.

• Heb ddrygioni – Mae angen iddyn nhw fod yn hyderus na fydd y penderfyniad i ddefnyddio'r ddyfais yn gwneud mwy o niwed na lles i'r unigolyn. Er enghraifft, dylent ystyried a oes risg y gallai darn o gyfarpar arwain at fwy o ddryswch neu drallod.
• Manteisiol – Mae angen iddynt fod yn hyderus y byddai'r defnydd bwriadedig o'r ddyfais o fudd i'r unigolyn. Er enghraifft, defnyddio dyfais a fydd yn rhoi mynediad i'r unigolyn i gymorth os bydd yn cwympo.
• Ymreolaeth - Mae angen iddynt fod yn sicr na fydd y defnydd bwriadedig o'r ddyfais yn cyfyngu ar ryddid dewis yr unigolyn. Er enghraifft, pe bai dyfais fel mat synhwyro, sy'n cael ei defnyddio i helpu i fonitro risg cwympiau, yn cael ei defnyddio i annog yr unigolyn i beidio â chodi i fyny neu gerdded, yna byddai'n rhwystro annibyniaeth yr unigolyn. Byddai angen defnyddio'r ddyfais ar y cyd â chymorth gofalwyr er mwyn galluogi'r unigolyn i godi a cherdded o gwmpas yn ddiogel.
• Cyfiawnder – Bydd angen iddynt ystyried a yw'r penderfyniad a wnânt yn deg a bod yr unigolyn yn derbyn cymorth sy'n briodol iddynt.

Yn y pen draw, ni ddylai neb gael ei orfodi i ddefnyddio technoleg nad ydynt ei eisiau, a dim ond pan fydd ei angen y dylid defnyddio technoleg. Dylid ystyried anghenion unigol pob unigolyn yn ofalus wrth bwyso a mesur manteision ac anfanteision unrhyw ddyfais.