Factors Associated With Recommendations for Assistive Technology Devices for Persons With Mobility Limitations Using Workplace Accommodation Services

The objective of this study was to identify the interactions between impairment-related and work-related factors associated with recommendations for specific assistive technology devices (ATDs) for persons with mobility limitations who used workplace accommodation (WA) services. A retrospective and secondary data analysis was conducted on 132 WA service users with mobility limitations in Taipei City from 2008 to 2012 using chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID). The CHAID analyses revealed interactions between impairment-related factors (difficulty walking and upper extremity pain) and work-related factors (frequent moving around outdoors), which were significantly associated with the recommendation of powered wheelchairs (p <.05). Interactions between the impairment-related factor (difficulty walking) and the work-related factor (frequent sitting for long periods of time) were associated with the recommendation of ergonomic chairs (p <.001) for persons with mobility limitations. By identifying the interactions between impairment-related and work-related factors in recommending workplace ATDs for persons with mobility limitations, this study provides evidence-based ATDs recommendations for persons with mobility limitations.