The Policies of Provision of Assistive and Welfare Technology—A Literature Review

Katarina Baudin, Maria Mullersdorf, Angelina Sundstrom and Christine Gustafsson
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Katarina Baudin: School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Malardalen University, 72123 Västerås, Sweden
Maria Mullersdorf: School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Malardalen University, 72123 Västerås, Sweden
Angelina Sundstrom: School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Malardalen University, 72123 Västerås, Sweden
Christine Gustafsson: School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Malardalen University, 72123 Västerås, Sweden

Societies, 2020, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Background: Due to the increasing ageing population worldwide, humanity is facing global demographic challenges. For many people, their later years are often lived with changed functioning and the need for support in daily living activities. Assistive technology and welfare technology (AT/WT) constitute a partial solution to the demographic challenges. Objectives: The purpose of this literature review is to identify the policy features, such as decision models and guidance for the provision of AT/WT as reported in the current scientific literature. Methods: A literature review with a deductive approach using the structure of the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) model was conducted. The data were searched from the databases: PubMed, Cinahl Plus, and the Web of Science, resulting in nine included articles. Results: The findings are presented according to the structure of the eight domains from the GATE model— policy, assessment, procurement, technology, environment, usability, sustainability and rights— which are further grouped into categories exploring the variations in every domain. Conclusion: The review reveals a nascent and growing interest in the area; however, evidence-based decision models and other guidance on AT/WT are lacking. Recent scholarships and policy reforms can form the basis of stronger guidance to organise complex AT/WT systems, but further and future research is needed.

Keywords: assistive technology; welfare technology; telemedicine; telehealth; decision making/decision-making process; health policy; policy making (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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