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Predictors of assistive technology abandonment
1Request Rehabilitation Engineering Center, The National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC.
Assistive Technology : the Official Journal of RESNA
|December 9, 1992
Summary
Nearly 30% of assistive technologies are abandoned by users with disabilities. Key factors influencing this include user involvement in selection, device performance, and evolving needs, highlighting the need for better consumer-centered support.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology Research
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Technology abandonment poses significant challenges for individuals with disabilities and society.
- Understanding user decisions regarding assistive devices is crucial for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing the acceptance or rejection of assistive technologies by users with disabilities.
- To identify patterns and predictors of technology abandonment in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 227 adults with diverse disabilities.
- Data collected covered device selection, acquisition, performance, and usage patterns.
Main Results:
- A substantial 29.3% of all assistive devices were completely abandoned.
- Mobility aids exhibited higher abandonment rates compared to other device categories.
- Abandonment peaked within the first year and again after five years of use.
- Significant predictors of abandonment included minimal user input in selection, ease of procurement, inadequate device performance, and shifts in user needs.
Conclusions:
- Policies and services must prioritize consumer involvement throughout the assistive technology lifecycle.
- Addressing long-term user needs and satisfaction is essential to reduce abandonment rates.
- Enhancing user satisfaction through consumer-centered approaches can improve technology adoption and efficacy.