Satisfaction with rollator use in home environments: an exploratory quantitative study with open-ended responses and...

Rollators are widely used in Germany, yet evidence on real-world usability and satisfaction in home environments, including contextual and service factors, remains limited. This study explored rollator use and user satisfaction in domestic settings.

Exploratory cross-sectional home interviews with open-ended questions were conducted (June 2024-April 2025) in Germany. Regular rollator users were recruited via outpatient care services. Use context and provision pathways were assessed; satisfaction was measured with Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) and recommendation behaviour with the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative responses were thematically summarised.

Forty-four participants (median age 85.5 years; 54.5% female) were included. More than half obtained a rollator by prescription (54.5%); medical supply stores (MPS) were key actors in procurement (63.6%), yet training was rare (11.4%) and initial handles height adjustment was inconsistent (61.4%). Rollators were used primarily outdoors and for walking (100%), transport (82%), and seating (75%). Defects were observed in 20.5% and accidents were reported by 12.7% (mainly in public transport). Device satisfaction was high (QUEST 2.0 mean 4.41, SD 0.55) and correlated with NPS (ρ = .433, p = .003), yielding an overall NPS of +49. Suggested improvements included brakes, suspension, handles, lighting, and follow-up services.

Despite high satisfaction, observed defects and reported accidents indicate relevant safety concerns, alongside barriers related to context and services. Strengthening user-centered product-service design and follow-up may improve safety and long-term usability.