Electronic assistive technology use in the home (EAT-H) by people with spinal cord injury in Australia

Mainstream smart home technology and environmental control systems collectively referred to as Electronic Assistive Technology in the Home (EAT-H) can provide autonomy for people with spinal cord injury. While the physical and psychosocial benefits of these technologies are recognised in the literature, detailed description of real-world use in the community is needed to inform use. This paper aimed to identify what EAT-H is used by people with spinal cord injury to meet their functional needs in Australia. The study also sought to understand how EAT-H is used and set up.

A descriptive qualitative study design used purposeful sampling to invite people with current experience of EAT-H to participate. Demographic data were gathered using an online questionnaire. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted online. Transcripts were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to describe what technology was used to meet functional needs and to explore how participants set up and used technology.

Thirteen participants aged 29-66 years with injuries acquired 3-31 years ago were included in the study. Participants used EAT-H across five functional areas: emergency safety and security; home environmental control; entertainment; socialisation and communication; and household activities. Three primary themes about how EAT-H was set up and used included EAT-H systems include multiple options, are customised, and can fall short.

Findings demonstrated that customisation is essential because universal approaches cannot meet diverse needs. Optimal use requires combining mainstream smart home technologies with specialised environmental controls and low-tech backups to ensure reliability, safety and functional independence.