Use of assistive technology in cognitive rehabilitation: exploratory studies of the opinions and expectations of healthcare professionals and potential users

OBJECTIVE: To provide recommendations for the successful implementation of Assistive Technology (AT) in cognitive rehabilitation by investigating the attitudes towards AT of professionals, individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their caregivers in two exploratory studies. METHOD: A total of 147 professionals in cognitive rehabilitation filled out a web-based survey. Fifteen patients with ABI and 14 caregivers were interviewed. RESULTS: Most professionals were willing to use AT in the future, although only 27% used AT currently in a treatment setting. Professionals with AT experience were more positive than those without about the potential of AT and their own ability to use it in their treatment programmes. Most patients and caregivers were positive about using AT in the future, still, only a minority currently used AT. Refusal to reimburse AT devices by health insurance companies appeared an important barrier for a more widespread use. CONCLUSIONS: Although enthusiasm about AT was evident in both studies, a lack of progress in the implementation of AT was noted. This could be improved by promoting knowledge and hands-on experience of professionals who work in rehabilitation centres. More evidence on the efficacy of AT is required to improve coverage of AT devices by insurance companies.