Examining occupational therapists’ perspective on assistive technology: a qualitative study

Assistive technology plays a significant role in occupational therapy practice. Understanding occupational therapists' perspectives on the use of assistive technology is essential for enhancing clinical applications and promoting effective interventions. The aim of this study was to examine occupational therapists' perceptions of assistive technologies and their experiences of using these technologies in clinical practice. A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis, following an inductive approach. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with occupational therapists, both in-person and online, based on a pre-developed interview guide. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: clinical practice, professional competence, organizational constraints, and recommendations for improvement. The most frequently used and recommended assistive technology devices were those that supported activities of daily living. Participants emphasized accessibility as a key consideration when selecting and prescribing assistive technology. Moreover, several participants highlighted the absence of standardized guidelines to support the use of assistive technology in occupational therapy. These results suggest that improving professional education, developing evidence-based protocols and addressing systemic barriers can strengthen the integration of assistive technology into occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapists should receive more training on assistive technologies so that these technologies can be used effectively in clinical practice.The lack of standardized guidelines for the use of assistive technologies leads to inconsistencies in therapists' choice of devices. Therefore, it is important to develop these guidelines.Accessibility issues and organizational barriers limit the effective use of assistive technologies. Overcoming these barriers can increase the efficiency of therapy processes.