Assistive technology in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: use or non-use? Understanding what happens post-discharge in tetraplegic individuals at a rehabilitation centre in Northeast Brazil.

INTRODUCTION

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often an acute event with extreme consequences, resulting in significant restrictions in daily activities and social participation. Assistive technology (AT) plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, yet abandonment of these devices is common despite their potential benefits. There is a gap in the literature concerning specific experiences of individuals with tetraplegia regarding AT abandonment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyse adherence, abandonment and discontinuation rates of AT devices among individuals with tetraplegia secondary to SCI at a Rehabilitation Hospital in Northeast Brazil. Additionally, it seeks to identify the reasons behind the abandonment of these devices.

METHOD: Participants were selected based on hospital records, and phone interviews were conducted to gather information on AT usage post-hospital discharge. Sociodemographic, clinical data and device details were analysed.

RESULTS

The study revealed an abandonment rate of 18.4% among participants. Younger individuals (16-30 years) showed a lower abandonment rate. Devices categorised under "Postural Support" were the last frequently abandoned, contrasting with "Computer Accessibility" which recorded the highest abandonment rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight a significant abandonment rate of assistive products, underscoring clinicians' and researchers' concerns about AT and emphasising the need for expanded studies. There is an urgent call to deepen understanding of the reasons behind abandonment. Future research using probabilistic samples is recommended to identify factors associated with abandonment, aiming to enhance AT services collaborating with the rehabilitation of individuals with tetraplegia.