Technology-assisted toilets: Improving independence and hygiene in stroke rehabilitation

I'm really curious as to what a toilet assist technology looks like.  I remember having to call my wife at the time to help tip me so I could reach behind and wipe my ass. It got better, luckily I never fell off the toilet. 
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2055668317725686

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David Yachnin, Georges Gharib, Jeffrey Jutai, ...

First Published August 29, 2017 Research Article

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Abstract

Background and Purpose

Dependence on assistance for toileting is a widespread problem for persons receiving healthcare. Technology-assisted toilets, which hygienically wash and dry the perineal region, are devices that could improve toileting independence in a variety of patients. The objective was to investigate whether technology-assisted toilets improve toileting independence, quality of life, and whether technology-assisted toilets can provide sufficient toileting hygiene in stroke rehabilitation.

Methods

This pilot study was carried out in a stroke rehabilitation unit. Thirty participants were recruited. Participants had a bowel movement and cleaned themselves using the technology-assisted toilet on one to three occasions. Participants rated their toileting before using the technology-assisted toilet and after each technology-assisted toilet use with the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). After each session, participants were rated for cleanliness.

Results

PIADS scores were analyzed from eight individual participants, five of whom completed the full protocol. PIADS scores were significantly higher with the technology-assisted toilet than with the participants’ regular toileting routine (p < 0.05). Technology-assisted toilets cleaned effectively in 73% of cases (16/22, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Technology-assisted toilets improved stroke patients’ psychosocial outcomes compared to standard toileting and completely cleaned participants in the majority of cases. A larger study should confirm technology-assisted toilet’s benefit in stroke rehabilitation through improved independence and hygiene.