Assistive Technology provision for the promotion of health and wellbeing: A needs analysis and solution building approach

About the Project

A collaboration with the National Injury Insurance Agency Queensland (NIISQ Agency).
Growing Assistive Technology Solutions in Queensland.

Researchers from the Hopkins Centre in partnership with the NIISQ Agency are investigating Assistive Technology provision in Queensland and the current needs from multiple stakeholder perspectives. Needs and solutions will be explored, resulting in better outcomes for people with disability. If you are interested in participating, please access the appropriate survey below.

Project Details

This mixed method needs assessment will engage with a range of stakeholders to examine the current practices and needs regarding assistive technology provision throughout Queensland and with organisations nationally. This exploration will consider low-tech devices through to complex systems, with a focus on high-end to complex systems. The project will address four questions in three phases. Phase one will engage with publicly available documents and interviews with representatives from funding agencies in Queensland and nationally to establish the normative and comparative need. Phase two will involve an online survey and subsequent focus groups with AT providers in Queensland to establish the expressed need. Phase three will engage with recipients of AT via an online survey and interviews to establish the felt need. The project will culminate with a solution-building workshop with key representatives that will adopt a knowledge translation approach towards the development of strategic and operational plans for translation of the findings. The work addresses an identified need by our project partner, the NIISQ Agency, who has also assisted in the development of the project concept.

Project Aims

The aims of the current study are to (1) conduct a needs assessment establishing the Normative, Comparative, Expressed, and Felt Needs of funding body representatives, service providers/health professionals, and recipients of assistive technology; and (2) to integrate and interpret the information to inform future actions that can be integrated within AT services such as HabITec and supported for implementation across Queensland. Such actions may include training packages, education, supports for the service providers and/or resources and education for the participants.

Project Significance and Expected Outcomes

The study will gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs of all health professionals involved in the provision of a diverse range of assistive technologies across a diverse range of services and funding models. The current capacity and development needs of service providers in Australia, including the barriers and enablers will be examined. The final report will apply a knowledge translation approach to identify how to build capacity and bridge the gap in service delivery of AT that is common worldwide. Better outcomes for people with disability is also anticipated, including efficient and effective access , as well as building their confidence to be empowered to continue to search for solutions themselves.

Project Status

The project received funding in November 2021 and will commence for 12-months.

Project Funding

The project is a partnership with the NIISQ Agency. The project, led by Prof. Louise Gustafsson, is proudly supported by The Hopkins Centre, and School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University.