Tracking mobility-related assistive technology in an outcomes study.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Assistive Technology Research
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Mobility assistive technology devices (ATDs) are recommended during hospitalization to aid patients post-discharge.
• Understanding the long-term adherence and usage patterns of these devices is essential for effective rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To track changes in the use of mobility assistive technology devices (ATDs) from hospital discharge up to 5-6 months later.
• To identify distinct user groups based on their experience with ATDs over time.

Main Methods:

• Follow-up study involving 139 participants who used mobility ATDs (canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs).
• Interviews conducted at approximately 5.5 weeks and 23.2 weeks post-discharge, using questionnaires to gather ATD usage data.
• SF-36 questionnaire administered to assess perceived physical and mental health status.

Main Results:

• Only 23.3% of participants continued using their initially prescribed ATD as their primary mobility aid at follow-up.
• Seven distinct groups emerged based on ATD use (continued/discontinued, single/multiple devices, primary/secondary importance).
• These groups showed variations associated with rehabilitation diagnosis, age, and perceived physical/mental health.

Conclusions:

• Patient adherence to prescribed mobility ATDs significantly decreases within months post-discharge.
• Identifying user typologies can inform targeted interventions to improve ATD adherence or support alternative strategies.
• Findings impact the design of ATD outcome studies and the interpretation of ATD effectiveness in rehabilitation.