User Perspective on Assistive Technology. A Qualitative Analysis of 55 Letters from Citizens Applying for Assistive Technology

This study focuses on user perspectives on assistive technology and is aimed at achieving a deeper knowledge of and establishing core elements related to user perspectives Naturally occurring data in the form of 55 letters from 33 Danish citizens applying for assistive technology were analyzed using deductive content analysis and an inductive thematic analysis The study took a constructionist position and had a phenomenological approach The findings of the study establish the following as core aspects of user perspectives on assistive devices quality of life, realization of personal goals, keeping up roles, positive self image, personal dignity, independence, activities and participation, self-care and security, lack of access in surroundings, professional domination of assistive device area, cultural stigma of negative symbolic value, and cumbersome standardized devices Five main categories emerged from the thematic analysis 1) Obstructions for keeping up daily living 2) Objectives of life 3) Occupation of daily living 4) Mastering and managing and 5) Assistive technology 'Mastering and managing' was found to be the central aspect and an interactive model for user perspectives on assistive technology was developed The findings suggest that assistive technology, according to users' perspectives, seems to enhance their mastering and managing abilities so that they can fulfill their objectives of life through adequate occupations The findings furthermore accentuated that inaccessible surroundings both physical and socio-cultural as well as poor design of the devices seemed to influence user perspectives negatively Poor service delivery also seems to influence user perspectives negatively The findings also shed light on the importance of the socio-psychological and spiritual factors, which seemed to be Included in user perspectives on assistive technology The study reveals the knowledge gap regarding user perspectives on assistive technology and clearly indicates that more research is needed in this area