Associations between insurance provider and assistive technology use for computer and electronic devices 1 year after tetraplegia: Findings from the spinal cord injury model systems national database

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J82778

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2019 , 100, 12, 2260-2266

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated the association between insurance provider and reported assistive technology (AT) use to access computers and electronic devices 1 year after sustaining tetraplegia. Data were analyzed for 498 men and women with tetraplegia who were enrolled in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems National Database. The primary study outcome was the use of AT when operating a computer or other mobile electronic device. The primary predictor was the subject's principal health insurance provider, which was grouped into the 3 categories: (1) government (Medicare, Medicaid, and other government); (2) private (private insurance, private funds, and other); and (3) workers' compensation. Overall, 34.7 percent of participants reported using AT to access computers and electronic devices. Results of logistic regression analysis revealed that sex, injury level, injury completeness, self-perceived health status, and 12-month history of pressure ulcer were all significantly associated with AT use. After adjusting for these factors, participants with workers' compensation were more likely to report AT use than individuals with either government or private insurance. Additional research focused on AT use and functional outcomes is needed to assess the effect of barriers to use. Collectively, this work may inform insurers of the importance of having AT available for this unique population to potentially improve quality of life and participation.

Author(s):