Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39930473›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Assistive technologies in healthcare: utilization and healthcare workers perceptions in Germany.

Domenic Sommer, Eva Lermer, Florian Wahl, Luis I Lopera G

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Domenic SommerDeggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, Deggendorf, 94469, Germany. domenic.sommer@dit.edu.
Eva LermerCenter for Leadership and People Management, Department Psychology, LMU Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, Munich, 80539, Germany. Eva.Lermer@psy.lmu.de.
Florian WahlDeggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, Deggendorf, 94469, Germany.
Luis I Lopera GFriedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Henkestrasse 91, Erlangen, 91052, Germany.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAccording to the WHO, assistive technology (AT) is defined as the superset of technologies that improve or maintain the functioning of different senses, mobility, self-care, well-being, and inclusion of patients. ATs also include technologies for healthcare workers (HCWs) to reduce workloads and improve efficiency and patient care outcomes. Software ATs for HCWs include communication software, artificial intelligence (AI), text editors, planning tools, decision support systems, and health records. Hardware ATs for HCWs can range from communication devices, sensors, and specialized medical equipment to robots.

aimsWith this indicative study, we explore HCW utilization, perceptions, and adoption barriers of ATs. We emphasize ATs role in enhancing HCWs' efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare delivery.

methodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted through August 2024 with HCWs in Bavaria via a network recruiting approach. We used convenience sampling but ensured that only HCWs were part of our study population. Our survey included (i) usage, (ii) usefulness, and (iii) perceptions regarding ATs. The survey comprised 11 close-ended and three open-ended questions, including story stems evaluated by a deductive qualitative template analysis. Our mixed-method evaluation also employed descriptive and bivariate statistics.

resultsThree hundred seventy-one HCWs (♂63.9 %, ♀36.1 %) participated in our survey, primarily 133 administrators, 116 nurses, and 34 doctors. More than half of the study participants (58.6 %) reported having advanced technical skills. Regarding usage, communication platforms (82.2 %) and communication devices (86 %) were the most commonly used ATs. Advanced ATs such as body-worn sensors, medical devices with interfaces, identification devices, and robots were underutilized in our sample. ATs were reported to be helpful in all job roles but need improvements in capacity and integration. Key barriers to adoption included outdated infrastructure, interoperability, and a lack of training.

conclusionOur study suggests that HCWs may want to incorporate ATs into their workflows as they see how, in theory, these technologies would improve HCW's efficiency, resulting in better patient care. However, to realize this potential, efforts in ATs integration and accessibility are essential. Given this study's modest sample size and generalizability limitations, further research is needed to explore the adoption, implementation, and impact of ATs in healthcare.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelHealth PersonnelSelf-Help DevicesAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleGermanyHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesArtificial intelligenceAssistive technologiesHealthcare workersHuman-computer interactionInformation and communication technologies

Identifiers

PMID39930473
PMCPMC11812205

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.