Outcomes or impact? when the difficult to measure results appears: the experience in Spain

Abstract

[Abstract] Interventions based on the use of Assistive Technology (AT) are a common strategy to promote improved participation and quality of life. Access to appropriate AT is considered a fundamental human right. However, the potential advantages of using AT are limited by a wide variety of factors that must be taken into account when prescribing the use of a particular product. That is why research on outcome measurement is absolutely necessary, being essential to carry out an adequate assessment of the user's needs with reliable measurement tools to improve decision making for the prescription and adaptations of AT.

In Spain, the research related to outcome measures in AT is deficient, because there are not many specific measurement instruments that are validated in the Spanish population. A review of the state of the art about the application of outcome measures in Spain is presented and compared with other European countries. The main challenge is to design and implement a suitable proposal to improve the approach and quality of the AT system. That new approach has to get the consideration from all stakeholders (policymakers, health managers, health professionals and the community) to integrate the measurement of impact derived by the use of AT on the policy goals in the health and social system of the country.