Factors influencing implementation of assistive technology services for older adults from the perspectives of Thai occupational therapists: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Purpose

Occupational therapists are crucial in providing assistive technology (AT) services for older adults. However, evidence has shown limited provision of such services in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the implementation of AT services for older adults from the perspectives of Thai occupational therapists.

Methods

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was guided by the measurement instrument for determinants of innovations and literature review. This study was conducted in two phases: quantitative and qualitative. During the quantitative phase, an adapted version of the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations was administered to 96 occupational therapists (OTs). A subsample of 5 OTs completed a semi-structured interview during the qualitative phase to explain the findings in the quantitative one.

Results

Factors were categorized into three sections: personal, organizational and socio-political context levels. At the personal level, integrating knowledge and experience could contribute to awareness and professional competency. Client satisfaction influenced OTs to utilize AT, based on a client centred manner. With coordinator and performance feedback within the organization, OTs indicated that consultants supported them in their decision-making. In contrast, availability of AT for older adults is determined by time and resources. Moreover, at the socio-political context level, legislation and regulations may permit or prohibit accessibility of assistive devices.

Conclusion

In order to address current challenges, education or training programmes are needed to increase the awareness and competence of OTs. In addition, collaboration with other professionals in community settings is necessary to improve access to AT services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• AT service for older adults is limited by the availability of time and resources. To handle with these challenges, occupational therapists could advocate for village health volunteers to be a part of the AT services for older adults in the community to increase AT accessibility for older adults.

• Additional education or training programs should be developed to build competencies and increase occupational therapists’ awareness of providing AT services to older adults, as well as to strengthen their roles in AT services.

• Future research and health policies should focus on access to sufficient funding, and resources for occupational therapists relative to their role in implementing AT services.

Keywords:

• Occupational therapy
• Assistive device
• Assistive product
• Long-term care

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Occupational Therapy Association of Thailand for permitting data accessibility, and the participants for their valuable contributions. This study was supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for conferring a scholarship entitled “Asian Human Resource Development Project for Medical Professionals.”

Ethical approval

All of the participants were informed of the study in writing and verbally and given the opportunity to withdraw at any time. They also were assured that their data would remain confidential. Written informed consent was obtained from all of the participants before they took part. The Ethics Committee of the Tokyo Metropolitan University reviewed and approved the ethical aspects of the project (number: 20079).

Disclosure statement

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