Understanding the impact of assistive technology on the lives of people who draw on care and support

Key messages

• assistive technology benefits extend beyond functional support to autonomy, safety, social participation and wellbeing
• capability-based outcomes provide a broader understanding of how assistive technology supports people’s lives
• person-centred evaluation moves beyond counting devices or hours of use
• access barriers persist, including affordability, usability and lack of training
• routine evaluation rarely captures the outcomes that matter most to users.

Policy implications

• evaluation of assistive technology should incorporate capability-based outcome measures
• commissioning approaches may need to prioritise user-defined outcomes rather than device provision
• training and usability support are critical to realising the benefits of assistive technology
• funding and access policies should address affordability to reduce exclusion.

Gaps

• lack of standardised capability-based metrics in routine assistive technology evaluation
• limited evidence on how capability outcomes vary across population groups
• need for integration of capability measures into health and social care data systems.

Commentary

This paper reframes the use of technology in care by focusing on what assistive technology enables people to do and be, rather than on the devices themselves. By applying a capability-based approach, it highlights outcomes such as independence, safety and social participation that are often overlooked in standard evaluations.

From a care equity perspective, this shift is important. Measuring success through device provision alone risks masking unequal experiences, where some users are unable to benefit due to affordability, usability or lack of training.

The findings suggest that person-centred evaluation could support more equitable commissioning and service design. Understanding which capabilities are enhanced, and for whom, may help identify where assistive technology is failing to meet needs.

However, the study also highlights systemic limitations. Without standardised capability measures embedded in routine practice, these outcomes remain difficult to track or compare. Addressing this gap is essential if assistive technology is to contribute meaningfully to equitable care rather than reinforcing existing barriers.