Exploring perspectives on assistive technology use: barriers, facilitators, and access

Abstract

Purpose

This qualitative study explored perceived barriers and facilitators to access and utilization of assistive technology (AT) among Veterans and civilians living with tetraplegia. We also explored differences in access to and utilization of AT between civilians and Veterans.

Materials and Methods

Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 32 adults (15 Veterans, 17 non-Veterans) living with tetraplegia between the ages of 18 and 65 and who were at least one-year post-injury. Focus groups were conducted at two rehabilitation sites: Craig Hospital and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Participants were asked to discuss what they perceive as (1) the facilitators and barriers of AT access and utilization, and (2) the value of AT use in everyday living. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts.

Results and Conclusions

Facilitators of AT utilization and access included being connected to resources, trial-and-error, and knowledge gained from peers. Barriers to AT use included cost of devices, a general lack of awareness of resources, and requirements for eligibility; the latter two themes were endorsed solely by Veteran participants. Benefits of AT included increased independence, participation, productivity, quality of life, and safety. Findings highlight key facilitators of AT procurement and use, barriers that contribute to underutilization of AT, and important benefits experienced as a result of using AT that underscore the importance of AT for individuals with SCI.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• The need to maintain connections with rehabilitation resources (e.g., the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapists, the VA, inpatient facilities) is vital to learning about and procuring AT.

• There is a need for a tailored approach to address AT underutilization in civilian and Veteran populations.

• Despite the barriers to AT use and the challenges associated with discovery of AT, utilization of AT may lead to increased independence, participation, productivity, quality of life, and safety.

Keywords:

• Rehabilitation medicine
• spinal cord injury
• assistive technology
• tetraplegia
• barriers
• facilitators
• veterans

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data are available from the lead author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs through the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program under Award No W81XWH-18-1-0806. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendation are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Defense.