Current state and conceptual framework of assistive technology provision in Saudi Arabia

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology Vol. ahead-of-print; no. ahead-of-print; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Alqahtani, Saleh, Cooper, Rosemarie, Cooper, Rory A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 17-11-2023; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adaptive technology; assistive technology; barriers; Communication; Consumers; Decision making; disability; Employment; Frame analysis; Goal setting; Handicapped assistance devices; Health care; Interdisciplinary aspects; Medical personnel; Mobility; Older people; People with disabilities; Person with disability; Prosthesis; Rehabilitation; saudi arabia; self-help device; service delivery models; Specialists; Wheelchairs; Saudi Arabia; saudi arabia; Person with disability; barriers; disability; assistive technology; self-help device; service delivery models
• ISSN: 1748-3107; 1748-3115
• DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2021.2008027

Assistive Technology (AT) devices provide essential means of mobility, employment, communication, social engagement for older adults and people with different disabilities, if prescribed correctly to match users' needs and goals. Regardless of the setting or location, a successful AT service delivery model includes the multidisciplinary collaboration of the people with disabilities and the specialists who have knowledge and expertise in the design and application of AT. In Saudi Arabia, unfortunately, the availability of AT devices is mainly limited to basic mobility and daily living aids such as wheelchairs and seating systems, prosthetics and orthotics, communication devices, low-vision devices, and adapted transportation equipment. The aim of this perspective is to provide clinicians and healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia with a model for the optimisation of the provision of AT devices decision making regarding AT devices for people with disabilities by adhering to a user-centered team approach throughout the service delivery process
The policy, human, activity, assistance, technology, and environment (PHAATE) model is used as a conceptual framework and guideline for this paper.
The PHAATE components could serve as a guideline for a wide range of stakeholders in Saudi Arabia (e.g., researchers, product developers, practitioners, clinicians, third-party reimbursement entities, consumers, and educators) when developing service delivery systems.
IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION
Despite the support and funding resources of AT devices by the Saudi government, there is still the needs to increase awareness and knowledge about AT application and services, as well as optimal service delivery models of AT devices.
AT service delivery provision models such as PHAATE model may help clinicians and other medical professionals in Saudi Arabia to make informed decisions about the provision of AT device services.