At present, technological innovation is vital for sustainable, high-quality care. Yet, implementing such innovations is complex and requires careful decision-making. This study, conducted in collaboration with four elderly care organizations, aimed to develop a value appraisal tool to support decision making regarding health technology implementation. The tool was created through stakeholder analysis, literature review, checklist development, and validation. Stakeholders included clients, informal caregivers, care professionals, care teams, and organizational managers. Aspects related to technology, financial considerations, and regulatory requirements were also included. Key values, needs, and preconditions for each stakeholder were identified and translated into a comprehensive checklist. This was validated via scoping reviews and interviews for six technologies, e.g. medication dispensers and lifestyle monitoring. The current tool offers a structured approach to assess the value of technologies, balancing evidence with the specific needs and capacities of organizations. By actively involving diverse stakeholders and identifying critical success factors, it supports the sustainable implementation of innovations. This approach has significant implications for advancing the adoption of technologies, as part of the broad field of assistive technology, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, contextual adaptation, and systematic evaluation in care innovation.

Which outcomes should we measure to demonstrate the transformative power of assistive technology (AT)? The answer may differ according to whether the question is being asked by an AT provider or funder; by practitioners involved with a certain type of AT such as assistive products for vision, or prosthetics; or - as represented in the World Health Organization’s People-Centred 5P Assistive Technology Model - by the person central to the AT process being the AT user themselves. This paper presents My Assistive Technology Outcomes Framework, an AT outcome measure co-produced with AT users. My Assistive Technology Outcomes Framework captures data regarding the supports service delivery pathways and customer experience of AT users. It also measures the outcomes, costs and cost benefits, and human rights realised or not yet realised with assistive products and services. The development of the My Assistive Technology Outcomes Framework will be briefly covered. Use cases of the Framework which have been co-produced with AT users will be presented. Implications for further development and adaptation of the Framework for use by AT users in different contexts will be discussed.

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are viewed as high quality evidence, and practitioners often look to CPGs to guide evidence-based practice. An a priori review protocol was established to identify and describe the assistive technology (AT) guidance offered within CPGs globally for adults and older adults living with progressive or complex conditions. This protocol, and results from a search of CPGs, will be presented. Important findings include the significant underrepresentation of AT within guidelines; the varied terminology used to describe assistive products and services in the small body of CPGs which did report on AT; the pressing need for use of internationally agreed assistive product classification and terminology to both inform practice and enable comparison of outcomes across studies; and the imperative for further investment in research on AT effectiveness, and translation of current evidence into clinical practice guidance. To further develop the evidence base we will also discuss how the established review protocol can be adapted to suit specific cohorts of AT user, and types of AT.

The SALSA project (Sensorisation, Automation for Freedom, Security and Autonomy) aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in shared living environments in Milan (Italy). By using technological solutions like smart lights and monitoring bracelets, the project seeks to increase independence and safety for residents and to reduce the burden of care on professional operators. The study, conducted by CB, FDG and ISF, will recruit fifty-five participants with mental, social, and/or motor disabilities. The study will observe the impact of these technologies on residents' daily lives, focusing on individual and group goals, usability, and specific metrics. Data will be collected at three intervals T0, T1, T2 (baseline, after 30 days of use, and after 60 days) using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and System Usability Scale (SUS). The data will be analysed to assess the effectiveness of the technological solutions. The study aims to provide insights into the benefits of these technologies and inform future research and applications. The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee.

The Assistive Technology Assessment – Impact (ATA-Impact) tool aims to provide a measure of the impact of assistive technology (AT) on users’ participation, economic well-being, and quality of life. The first development phase was completed by an expert author group that developed a draft version (V0) of the ATA-Impact tool in 2021 based on a literature review and WHO global consultation. The tool (V0) was then circulated to 20 AT experts for their review and feedback on its content, structure, and usability, resulting in 109 comments. The second phase of development is ongoing since 2024. As part of this phase, the tool was refined based on an analysis of experts’ comments and an updated systematic review, which led to improvements in question clarity and relevance. A development group was established, and this group reviewed the refined tool and provided feedback. The next steps include a new round of expert evaluation to further assess preliminary validity and usability before piloting in multiple countries. The ATA-Impact tool is expected to contribute significantly to evidence-based policymaking and service delivery, enabling governments and stakeholders to assess and improve AT access globally.