ICMR Partners with JIPMER for Nationwide Assistive Technology Access Survey

The survey will utilize the digital Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) tool to evaluate access and unmet needs related to assistive technologies.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated a nationwide survey titled “Assessment of Unmet Needs and Access to Assistive Technologies among the General Population through Digital rATA Tool – A Cross-Sectional Study in India.” 

As part of this large-scale initiative, the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, has been selected as one of the 25 regional sites to conduct the study.

JIPMER & DHFWS Collaborate for Regional Implementation

The Puducherry leg of the survey is being led by Dr. Venkatachalam J, Additional Professor in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at JIPMER, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services (DHFWS), Government of Puducherry. 

To facilitate the smooth execution of the study, the ICMR team, along with the site’s Principal Investigator, recently met with Dr. V. Ravichandran, Director of DHFWS.

Dr. Ravichandran highlighted the pivotal role of frontline health workers in the project. “The support of ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) from local Primary Health Centres is essential for reaching the target population and facilitating accurate data collection,” he said, urging residents to participate in the survey.

Door-to-Door Survey Using Digital rATA Tool

The survey will utilize the digital Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) tool to evaluate access and unmet needs related to assistive technologies. 

It will cover 21 wards within the Ozhukarai Municipality, where trained field researchers will conduct door-to-door visits to collect data directly from residents.

The data gathered is expected to provide valuable insights into the existing gaps in access to assistive devices and inform evidence-based policy decisions. 

The findings aim to enhance public health strategies and improve the quality of life for individuals with unmet healthcare needs.

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