Assistive Technology Provider Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Louise Puli, Natasha Layton, Daniel Mont, Kylie Shae, Irene Calvo, Keith D. Hill, Libby Callaway, Emma Tebbutt, Abner Manlapaz, Inge Groenewegen and Diana Hiscock
Additional contact information
Louise Puli: Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Natasha Layton: Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University Australia, Clayton 3800, Australia
Daniel Mont: Center for Inclusive Policy, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Kylie Shae: Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Irene Calvo: Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Keith D. Hill: Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University Australia, Clayton 3800, Australia
Libby Callaway: Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University Australia, Clayton 3800, Australia
Emma Tebbutt: Access to Assistive Technology Team, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Abner Manlapaz: Center for Inclusive Policy, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Inge Groenewegen: Liliane Fonds, 5211 TX s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Diana Hiscock: HelpAge International, London SE1 7RL, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-20

Abstract: Globally, health systems face challenges in the delivery of assistive technology (AT) and only 10% of people are currently able to access the assistive products they need. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an uncharted path for AT providers to navigate, placing them under pressure to be agile and rapidly adapt. This article, part of a series, explores the experiences and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on AT providers and aims to inform how AT providers can be better prepared and supported in the future. A mixed methods approach was used to gather service data and perspectives from AT providers via a survey. A total of 37 responses were received from 18 countries. Service data showed extensive service disruption throughout 2020. Thematic analysis suggested significant changes to routine AT service delivery including rapid momentum towards home-based, decentralised, and digital services for which many AT providers were not prepared. Providers were required to make difficult decisions and deliver services in new ways to balance meeting demands, complying with government restrictions, and ensuring the safety of staff and clients. Few but important positives were expressed including the belief that expanded capacity to use remote and digital AT service delivery would remain useful in the future.

Keywords: assistive technology; policy; disability; aging; assistive products; personnel; service provision; health systems; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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