Toward a national system of assistive technology outcomes measurement

Assist Technol. 2021 Jan 2;33(1):1-8. doi: 10.1080/10400435.2019.1567620. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Abstract

For more than two decades the assistive technology outcomes literature has featured repeated calls for clinical research to demonstrate the impact of device recommendations, as well as substantial discussion of tools for measuring AT outcomes. Unfortunately, data are still not routinely collected in most AT service delivery settings, which undermines the field. This paper describes a framework for developing a national cloud-based system of AT outcomes measurement that emerged from structured discussions with clinicians, researchers, and manufacturers. Such a system would: (a) allow collection and upload of outcomes data by geographically dispersed researchers, practitioners, and consumers; and (b) enable policymakers, third-party funders, consumers, practitioners, and researchers to retrieve outcomes data for specific disability and/or device groups.

Keywords: Outcomes; information technology and telecommunications; policy and legislation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Disabled Persons*
  • Humans
  • Self-Help Devices*