Women Veterans' Experiences with Mobility Assistive Technology: Results from a National Survey

Solanki P, Dicianno BE, Koontz AM, Berryman K, Weaver FM. Women Veterans' Experiences with Mobility Assistive Technology: Results from a National Survey. Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translation. 2025 Aug 10; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2025.100503.

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• RCS 98-354 – Research Career Scientist Award

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Abstract:

Objective The purpose of this study was to conduct a needs assessment to learn about women Veterans' needs, priorities, preferences, and experiences with mobility assistive technology (MAT). Design Cross-Sectional Survey Study Setting Veterans Health Administration Participants Women Veterans (age 18 years) receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration who received MAT in the last 5 years participated in an online survey. Interventions None Main Outcome Measures The survey included questions regarding demographics, experiences with procurement, evaluation, and follow-up for MAT, and ability to participate in various activities. Results 700 women Veterans responded to the online survey but due to missing responses only 593 surveys were analyzed. The most commonly used MAT included canes, walkers, and manual or power wheelchairs (26%; 24%; 29%). Activities for which their assistive mobility device did not meet their needs included housework, leisure, and social activities (26%; 22%; 19%). Some women Veterans identified challenges with their device related to the design and lack of options when choosing a device. Although a majority of Veterans reported positive feedback in procuring their MAT, there were opportunities for improvement in follow-up. Conclusion Approximately 1 out of 5 women indicated that their devices did not meet some of their needs. The unique needs of women Veterans should be considered during the design and provision of MAT, and education should be provided on maintenance of the MAT. Future research is warranted to develop possible solutions for these gaps with the goal of improving women Veterans' experiences and function related to MAT.