Provision and use of assistive products in patients after stroke and spinal cord injury in Germany: a qualitative interview study

PurposeMobility impairments are a common consequence of stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI). Assistive products (APs) such as wheelchairs are often needed for activities and participation. The aim of the study was to explore the provision and use of APs in Germany and to identify associated factors underlying this practice.Materials and methodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 professionals from outpatient neurorehabilitation services (three general practitioners, five physical therapists, five occupational therapists, one speech therapist, one neuropsychologist, two outpatient nurses, one rehab technician and one social worker), two patient advocates (long-term survivors, each stroke and SCI) and 20 patients (10 each after stroke and SCI with mobility impairment, and first-ever affected). Analysis was performed by qualitative content analysis.ResultsReported experiences were mixed, varying from high satisfaction to unusable APs and unmet needs. Identified factors associated with these experiences were related to care pathways, care coordination, inter-professional collaboration, professionals' knowledge and patient information, cost coverage, and approval procedures.ConclusionOverall, patients seem satisfied with the APs they receive, but patients with more severe mobility impairments in particular experience deficits in the provision and use of APs. Further research is needed to develop and test strategies for the provision and use of APs. Interprofessional collaboration between the multiple stakeholders and the involvement of end users is needed to realise the full potential of specific assistive products (APs).A care pathway should be implemented for the provision of appropriate APs.Professionals' expertise in both APs and end user empowerment needs to be improved.The approval process of the public health insurance should be accelerated and geared more towards the individual needs of patients.