Prevalence of coverage of assistive technology in the WHO European Region

Overview

This publication aims to provide an overview of what is currently known about the prevalence and coverage of assistive technology in the WHO European Region. It is guided by the following research question: “What is the prevalence of needs, access and coverage of assistive technology and what are facilitators and barriers to access and coverage in the WHO European Region?”. Sixty-two publications included in this review were identified by searching the academic databases Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. A further 41 publications were identified by national experts (total 103 publications). Relevant information was extracted into a data chart and analysed, using a narrative approach. The publication identified several barriers to accessing assistive technology in the Region, including barriers related to the physical accessibility of assistive technology, financial affordability and acceptability of assistive technology by users. All stakeholders (policy-makers, health care professionals, assistive technology providers, caregivers, etc) should work together to address these barriers and improve people’s access to assistive technology in the Region.