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Abstract
Purpose
To describe the barriers and facilitators of the assistive technology service delivery process (AT-SDP), based on the perspectives of assistive technology service professionals (ATPs) and assistive technology (AT) service users.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine AT users and eight ATPs in South Korea. The data were analyzed using a constant comparative approach based on the grounded theory.
Results
AT users and ATPs identified common barriers in the assessment, matching, and implementation of the AT-SDP. In the assessment process, the preparation of detailed selection criteria was suggested for assistive technology devices (ATDs). Insufficient linkages on assessments among institutions providing AT services was a reported barrier, and standardized evaluation tools were suggested to address this issue. In the matching process, to meet users’ needs, versatility in the characteristics or type of ATD was highlighted. In the implementation process, participants emphasized the need to shorten the time required during the delivery process. Along with these facilitators, institutional support, including staffing securement, the establishment of AT centres, and funding policies were recommended to facilitate the AT-SDP.
Conclusions
Our results highlight the importance of government support and considering realistic funding levels to overcome the barriers reported by AT users and ATPs.
Implications for rehabilitation
It is important to consider comprehensively the perspectives of assistive technology service (AT) users and assistive technology service professionals (ATPs) to improve assistive technology service delivery process (AT-SDP).
ATP must standardize assessment or evaluation tools to execute the AT-SDP identically. Additionally, they need to establish a role for ATP in an interdisciplinary approach.
Institutional support, including staffing securement, the establishment of AT centres, and funding policies are needed to facilitate the rapid delivery process and meet AT users’ needs.
Further research should report barriers and facilitators for AT-SDP through mixed methods of study and investigate targeting AT users from other institutions as well as AT centres.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to extend their gratitude to the study participants, namely, AT users who have received ATSs and the ATPs who work in the AT centres.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.