Stakeholder perspectives on research and development priorities for mobility assistive-technology: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose

Over one billion people with disabilities (PWDs) and older adults with mobility impairment are currently in need of assistive technology devices (ATDs) and only 10% of those population have ordinarily access to them. The need for advancement in mobility-assistive technology is growing to address the gap in ATDs provision globally. The purpose of this review is to identify potential future areas of development and research in mobility-assistive technology.

Method

Publications were identified using scientific and medical electronic databases. Also, a limited grey literature search was conducted to muster a variety of sources. A combination of keyword search terms was used, corresponding to the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms.

Results

A total of 392 articles were identified, of which 75 were selected for detailed review. Twenty-eight articles were identified that met the review’s inclusion criteria. Future areas of research for mobility-assistive technology were identified by grouping the publications into four main categories. The findings of this review identified several areas of research and development in ATDs in general and mobility-assistive technology, in particular, with special attention to the importance of engaging users and stakeholders in the process of research and design.

Conclusions

It is apparent that users’ needs and priorities vary between regions within countries. The majority of studies were noted to mainly identify consumers’ perspectives on a national basis. The authors, therefore, suggest that further research should be conducted on a global level to determine the knowledge and perspectives concerning future research and development needs and priorities in mobility-assistive technologies.

Implication for Rehabilitation

• Despite the benefits derived from the use of ATDs, only 10% of people with disabilities have access to them.

• Increasing access, quality and affordable ATDs in all countries is global demand.

• Identifying mobility consumers’ needs and priorities would help in enhancing their quality of life by translating research into new technologies that meet their environment and culture needs.

• Users’ involvement in research and design process is a crucial approach to re-shape the future research agenda.

Keywords:

• Disabled person
• people with disabilities
• assistive technology
• self-help device
• research
• user needs
• barriers
• service delivery model

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.