Toward a national system of assistive technology outcomes measurement

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.

Automated summary

This paper presents a framework for a national cloud-based system of AT outcomes measurement, aiming to address the issue of data not being routinely collected in most AT service delivery settings. The system will allow for data collection, upload, and retrieval, enhancing the quality of AT services and research effectiveness.