Assistive technology in resource-limited environments: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Global health equity
• Assistive technology research

Background:

• Access to assistive technologies (AT) is severely limited in low and middle income countries (LMICs), with an estimated 5-15% of those in need receiving them.
• Resource-limited environments face significant challenges in providing essential AT to populations with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive scoping review of the existing evidence base on assistive technologies (AT) within LMICs and other resource-limited settings.
• To identify gaps and trends in AT research to inform future strategies and resource allocation.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review methodology was employed, involving extensive literature searching, data extraction, and synthesis of characteristics from relevant research publications.
• Analysis included categorizing AT types, study designs, and geographical focus of the included studies.

Main Results:

• The review included 252 publications, with over 80% focusing on mobility (45.2%) and vision (35.5%) related AT, primarily spectacles and prosthetics.
• Evidence concerning AT for hearing, communication, and cognition needs was significantly underrepresented.
• The majority of studies (63%) utilized observational designs, indicating a need for more robust research methodologies.

Conclusions:

• The quantity and quality of evidence on AT in resource-limited environments are insufficient and unevenly distributed across AT categories.
• Recommendations include adopting flexible evidence review approaches, establishing a common AT typology and language (e.g., ISO 9999), and significantly increasing research funding.
• Enhanced research is crucial for understanding needs, informing policy, and improving access to appropriate AT for the 80% of the global population with disabilities residing in these areas.