Evaluating use and outcomes of mobility technology: A multiple stakeholder analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative, multi-site study compared and contrasted the outcomes of mobility technology (MT) and the factors influencing these outcomes from the perspective of MT users, caregivers, and professionals involved in MT service delivery.

Method: Qualitative focus groups were held in the USA and Canada with multiple stakeholder groups (consumer: n = 45, caregiver: n = 10, service provider: n = 10). Data were analyzed thematically.

Results: MT outcomes were conceptualized by participants as a match between expectations for MT and the actual outcomes experienced. Several factors influenced the match including a) MT features, b) environmental factors (e.g. built/physical environment, societal context of acceptance, MT delivery systems/policies), and c) the ability to self-manage the interaction across person, technology and environment, which involved constant negotiation and strategizing. Stakeholders identified MT outcomes that corresponded to ICF levels including body structure and function, activity, and participation across environments; however, varied on their importance and influence on MT impact.

Conclusions: The conceptual fit model and factors related to self-management of MT represent new knowledge and provide a framework for stakeholder-based evaluation of MT outcomes. Implications for MT assessment, service delivery, outcomes research, and interventions are discussed.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• There is a need for research on mobility technology (MT) such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs that documents the experiences of people with disabilities using MT. This qualitative, multi-site study compared and contrasted the outcomes of MT and the factors influencing these outcomes from the perspective of MT users, caregivers, and professionals involved in MT service delivery. Results from this research inform our understanding of MT use, assessment and outcomes.

Keywords::

• Assistive technology
• mobility technology
• focus group
• mobility
• outcomes
• assessment
• qualitative research
• case study

Declaration of Interest: This work was supported in part by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) under Grant #H133A060062 (Consortium for Assistive Technology Outcomes Research). The authors received no financial benefit from this activity. The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence (bias) this work.