Assessing service delivery systems for assistive technology in Brazil using HEART study quality indicators

BACKGROUND: Recently in Brazil, there has been investment and improvements in the service delivery system for assistive technology provision. However, there is little documentation of this process, or evidence that users are being involved appropriately. OBJECTIVE: To understand how assistive technology service provision currently functions in Belo Horizonte city, Brazil, in order to provide context-specific interventions and recommendations to improve services. METHOD: Qualitative research design, including visits to key institutions and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Interview questions were divided with two purposes: 1) Exploratory, aiming to understand present service functioning; 2) Evaluative, aiming to assess staff difficulties in applying existing best practice. RESULTS: Assistive Technology services in Belo Horizonte fall under the 'medical model' definition of the service delivery system developed by AAATE. It was also found that staff lack training and knowledge support to assess user requirements and to involve them during the decision-making process. Additionally, there is no follow-up stage after the device is delivered. CONCLUSIONS: The study clearly defines the service provision function and the staff difficulties at Belo Horizonte city, providing information for further studies.