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Evaluating use and outcomes of mobility technology: a multiple stakeholder analysis
Joy Hammel1, Kenneth Southall, Jeffrey Jutai
1University of Illinois at Chicago, Joint Doctoral Program in Disability Studies, Departments of Occupational Therapy & Disability and Human Development, Chicago, IL, USA.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|November 10, 2012
Summary
Mobility technology (MT) outcomes depend on matching user expectations with actual experiences, influenced by device features, environment, and self-management. This impacts body function, activity, and participation.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology Research
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Mobility technology (MT) plays a crucial role in enhancing independence for individuals with disabilities.
- Understanding user-centered outcomes and influencing factors is vital for effective MT service delivery.
- Previous research has often focused on technical performance rather than holistic user experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast mobility technology (MT) outcomes from the perspectives of users, caregivers, and service providers.
- To identify key factors influencing the success and impact of MT in real-world settings.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative, multi-site study design was employed.
- Focus groups were conducted with consumers (n=45), caregivers (n=10), and service providers (n=10) in the USA and Canada.
- Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data.
Main Results:
- MT outcomes were defined by participants as the alignment between their expectations and the experienced results.
- Key influencing factors included MT features, environmental aspects (physical, societal, policy), and the user's self-management capabilities.
- Stakeholders identified outcomes across International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) levels (body structure/function, activity, participation), with varying perceived importance.
Conclusions:
- A conceptual fit model and self-management factors offer new insights into MT outcomes.
- This framework supports stakeholder-based evaluation of MT.
- Findings have implications for improving MT assessment, service delivery, and intervention strategies.
