Discontinuation or abandonment of mobility assistive technology among people with neurological conditions.

Abstract

Among other limitations, people with neurological conditions often experience problems with functional mobility. One of the intervention strategies employed to mitigate or compensate this limitation is the use of mobility assistive technology such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, etc. Although assistive technology is a commonly used intervention strategy among disabled people, the use of this technology is sometimes discontinued or abandoned due to a failure to meet the user's needs or a lack of training, among other reasons. The sample used in this study comprises 80 users of mobility assistive technology, 14 of whom have abandoned or discontinued their use of Assistive Technology. The study variables include the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale for outcome measurement, as well as specific sociodemographic variables relating to the sample and the assistive device used. Significant values were obtained in the three subscales of the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. 50% of abandonments of assistive technology occurred among people diagnosed with stroke. The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale can be a useful tool for assessing potential abandonment or non-use of Assistive Technology. More longitudinal studies are required to avoid this limitation on the use of assistive technology.