A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Reasons for the Use or Nonuse of Assistive Technologies in the Aging Population

Abstract

Abstract. Models of the use of assistive technologies (ATs) have only moderate value for predicting older people’s actual use of ATs. To find further predictors, we performed a systematic literature review and – applying an action-theoretical approach – a metasynthesis of seven qualitative studies about the reasons older people use or fail to use ATs. We found 25 reasons referring to user’s beliefs and desires (e.g., related to demand, act of using ATs, its consequences), 18 of which were not contained in existing AT use models. Some reasons generalized across ATs (e.g., perceived unreliability), whereas others (e.g., privacy concerns, desire to avoid burden to others) appeared specific to telealarm or smart-home technology. We discuss findings with respect to improving AT use models and developmental counseling.