Abstract
For people with health conditions that affect mobility, a wide range of products are available on the market, ranging from high-tech to low-tech devices. Against the backdrop of search initiatives by German healthcare ministries and health insurers, this study explores the most sought-after assistive devices for individuals with mobility limitations. The participants were patients with mobility-impairing health conditions. During their stays at rehabilitation clinics, their attending physicians invited them to visit model homes equipped with assistive technologies assembled according to ergonomic and mobility principles. These centres were designed to showcase potential home adaptations and support devices, and to study users’ preferences and expectations regarding assistive technologies that promote independent living. Following their return to their permanent residences, 21 participants were interviewed by telephone using qualitative, semi-structured questions about their experiences and impressions of the technologies demonstrated at the centres. A qualitative-quantitative content analysis was conducted on the interviews to identify which types of assistive devices were perceived as the most helpful, desirable or necessary. The ‘likes’ were counted by taking reports on the devices’ usefulness, as well as past or present purchases, into account. One device scored 11 points. Another device scored seven points, while two devices scored six points each, and three devices scored five points. In terms of content, the findings are consistent with international research on housing and assistive device preferences. These results will inform healthcare policy and assistive device design, ensuring they better align with patients’ needs and preferences.
Presenters
Ulrike FettkeJunior Research Group Leader, Center for Research, Development and Transfer, Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences, Bayern, Germany Regina Hörand
Research Associate, Center for Research, Development and Transfer, Technical University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim, Bayern, Germany Andrea Kastl
Universität Innsbruck Sabine Ittlinger
Technische Hochschule Rosenheim
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Assisitive devices, Patients perspective, Technology acceptance, Housing, Mobility-limiting health conditions
