Providing assistive technology in Italy: the perceived delivery process quality as affecting abandonment
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Federici, S
Borsci, S
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The study brings together three aspects rarely observed at once in assistive technology (AT) surveys: (i) the assessment of user interaction/satisfaction with AT and service delivery, (ii) the motivational analysis of AT abandonment, and (iii) the management/design evaluation of AT delivery services.15 health professionals and 4 AT experts were involved in modelling and assessing four AT Local Health Delivery Service (Centres) in Italy through a SWOT analysis and a Cognitive Walkthrough. In addition 558 users of the same Centres were interviewed in a telephone survey to rate their satisfaction and AT use.The overall AT abandonment was equal to 19.09%. Different Centres management strategies resulted in different percentages of AT disuse, with a range from 12.61% to 24.26%. A significant difference between the declared abandonment and the Centres management strategies (p = 0.012) was identified. A strong effect on abandonment was also found due to professionals procedures (p = 0.005) and follow-up systems (p = 0.002).The user experience of an AT is affected not only by the quality of the interaction with the AT, but also by the perceived quality of the Centres in support and follow-up. Implications for Rehabilitation AT abandonment surveys provide useful information for modelling AT assessment and delivery process. SWOT and Cognitive Walkthrough analyses have shown suitable methods for exploring limits and advantages in AT service delivery systems. The study confirms the relevance of person centredness for a successful AT assessment and delivery process.
Date Issued
2014-06-17
Date Acceptance
2014-05-28
Citation
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2014, 11 (1), pp.22-31
ISSN
1748-3107
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Start Page
22
End Page
31
Journal / Book Title
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
Volume
11
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2014 Informa UK Ltd. This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/17483107.2014.930191
Subjects
Assistive technology abandonment
assistive technology assessment
assistive technology non-use
assistive technology service delivery
assistive technology user satisfaction
Rehabilitation
1117 Public Health And Health Services
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2014-06-17