Evaluation of the Impact and Effectiveness of Support Services on the Use of Assistive Technologies

OBJECTIVES: A French national experimentation aimed to address the gap in access to Assistive Technologies (AT) for individuals with disabilities and the elderly in France. 24 local teams were deployed to enhance autonomy, safety, and comfort for these populations by providing structured evaluation and support in choosing and using ATs.

METHODS: This evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses as part of a realist evaluation of the new models of integrated care. Quantitative data were derived from longitudinal study implemented from September 2021 to September 2023, encompassing 7,768 individuals.

RESULTS:

Beneficiaries where 57% women, with an average age of 70 years ; 71% had progressive disabilities and 63% had locomotor-related pathologies. The occupational therapists recommended ATs and facilitated their trial within the beneficiaries' living environments, with an average of 2.20 ATs tried per person. This ensured that the ATs were well-suited to the beneficiaries' needs. Beneficiaries acquired an average of 2 aids as a result of their support. Before intervention, 81% of beneficiaries possessed at least one AT, with 34% unused or not adapted. Post-intervention, 92% of ATs were still in use three months later, and 75% of individuals used all their ATs. Discontinuation reasons included death and individuals not being ready to use them. The median acquisition time for ATs was 20 days. The service's efficacy is underscored by the Goal Attainment Scale scores. 94% of individuals supported met or exceeded their self-defined goals. The support service significantly improved the autonomy and quality of life for individuals supported.

CONCLUSIONS: The support service demonstrated significant improvements in AT access and utilization in long-term, highlighting the importance of in-situ AT trials and individualized support.