Author : Museruka J E1 & Kamwesiga J T2
Affiliation : Occupational Therapist (Specialist in Assistive technology)
Hospice Africa Uganda1 & Occupational therapy School Mulago2
(Makerere University Kampala -Uganda)

Title : The significance of assistive technology to cancer patients’ ADL
Performance : A case study of Hospice Africa Uganda.

Background
The use of assistive technology has been embraced worldwide as one way of maximising independence in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) performance, thus very fundamental in improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
Assistive technology means devices and services that lessen or remove barriers faced by persons with disabilities and includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them; these may be in form of assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices. At Hospice Africa Uganda, patients that need assistive technology are referred to the occupational therapist who assesses, prescribes and trains them.
The purpose of the study was to describe the significance of assistive technology to ADL performance of cancer patients at Hospice Africa Uganda.

Method
A hermeneutic phenomenological life world approach was used and data was obtained through conversational interviews from 15 cancer patients after the devices had been used for five months.

Results
The devices were viewed as aprerequisite for well-being and independence and improved the patients’ quality of life.

Discussion
In conclusion assistive technology plays a very big role in cancer patients’ ADL performance; for stress, depression management and increased social participation.