Critical Success Factors for Avoiding the Disruption of Assistive Technology Services in the Post-Pandemic Era

Background/Objectives: Individuals with limitations in their daily activities use assistive technology (AT), which helps them restore body structures and functions. During the pandemic, to prevent the spread of infection, health policies have disrupted the traditional delivery mode of AT service, and the lack of preparedness for contingency measures has further caused AT service disruptions, making the continuity of AT services a major challenge. This study explores the critical success factors (CSFs) for preventing AT service interruptions in the post-pandemic era and supporting decision-makers in responding rapidly to similar infectious disease pandemics in the future, while ensuring delivery of high-quality AT services. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, and then, the multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model, combined with a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and an analytic network process (ANP), was applied to stratify complex problems in a structured manner, thereby constructing a multicriteria decision analysis structure for identifying the CSFs for avoiding AT service interruptions in the post-pandemic era. Results: The study results revealed that the three most influential direct factors are improving the providers' telemedicine capabilities, enhancing access to digital AT service support, and establishing a digital AT ecosystem. Indirect factors include addressing resource shortages. Conclusions: To avoid repeating past mistakes during future pandemics involving similar infectious diseases, strengthening the telemedicine capabilities of medical staff and ensuring a complete AT service delivery system are the most essential priorities.