Date Presented 04/03/2025
This research identifies commonly abandoned assistive technologies for physical and cognitive impairments from the perspectives of OT and PT providers, reasons for abandonment, and possible methods to combat such abandonment.
Primary Author and Speaker: Christopher Stavisky
Contributing Authors: Isabel Atwood, Patrick Berman, Morgan Christ, Kevin Liang, Josephine Villanueva, Samantha White
PURPOSE: This study examined occupational and physical therapy providers’ perspectives on frequently abandoned assistive technology (AT), reasons for technology abandonment, and solutions to combat AT abandonment. Relationships between participant demographic factors and frequency of AT use in treatment were also examined.
DESIGN: Mixed-methods cross-sectional survey design.
METHOD: A mixed-methods cross-sectional online survey was used. Participants included licensed occupational and physical therapy providers with at least two years of clinical experience working with AT. Qualitative data analysis included thematic analysis and quantitative data analysis included Fisher’s Exact test.
RESULTS: A total of 10 providers participated in this study. Emergent themes regarding commonly abandoned AT for cognitive impairments included organizational tools and communication aids. Emergent themes regarding commonly abandoned AT for physical impairments included adaptive equipment for activities of daily living, device control units, and high-complexity devices. Emergent themes regarding reasons contributing to AT abandonment included technological advancements, reliability and maintenance, context, and complexity and support. Emergent themes regarding solutions to combat AT abandonment included increased training, insurance coverage, and assistive technology support. A statistically significant association (p ≤.05) was found between participants who identified as certified assistive technology professionals and the frequency these practitioners address client cognitive impairments using AT (p = .022).
CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into perspectives on frequently abandoned AT and methods to combat AT abandonment. Further research with larger, diverse samples is recommended and may uncover more generalizable findings.
IMPACT STATEMENT: This research may influence occupational therapy provider AT recommendations by enhancing awareness of commonly abandoned AT.
References
Jiménez-Arberas, E., & Ordóñez-Fernández, F. F. (2021). Discontinuation or abandonment of mobility assistive technology among people with neurological conditions. Revista de neurologia, 72(12), 426–432. https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.7212.2020655
Riemer-Reiss, M., & Wacker, R. (2000). Factors associated with assistive technology discontinuance among individuals with disabilities. The Journal of Rehabilitation, 66(3), 44–50.
Phillips, B., & Zhao, H. (1993). Predictors of assistive technology abandonment. Assistive Technology, 5(1), 36–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.1993.10132205
