Assistive technology at work: a metasynthesis of the perspectives of people with spinal cord injury/damage

Abstract

Assistive technology (AT) can improve functional and technical capacity in the context of work for people with spinal cord injury/damage (SCI/D). This metasynthesis aimed to explore how AT is used to support the study and employment goals of people with SCI/D and their experiences of using AT for study or work. Six electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were systematically searched for qualitative studies reporting the lived experiences of people with SCI/D regarding the role of AT products in higher education or work. Twenty-three eligible studies were identified and appraised according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research, with relevant key findings included in this metasynthesis. Two superordinate themes were identified. Workforce accessibility depicted the enabling nature of personalised AT when successfully integrated into users’ roles and environments for study or work capacity and advancement. Navigation and connectedness represented the importance of self-advocacy, alongside support from educational institutions and workplaces, specialist services, and society more broadly, to ensure people’s injury-related AT needs are met. Collectively, the findings highlight the interplay of personal, occupational, and environmental factors in supporting the work goals of people with SCI/D. Achieving person-AT-occupation fit within the context of the environment at all stages of AT access can be supported by self-advocacy training, specialised services and support, and inclusive workplace practices and policies.