Assistive Technology and Functional Outcomes Following Spinal Cord Injury, United States, 2019-2020, 2021-2022 (ICPSR 39627)
Version Date: Jul 21, 2026 View help for published
Principal Investigator(s): View help for Principal Investigator(s)
Kimberley R. Monden, University of Minnesota
https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR39627.v1
Version V1
Summary View help for Summary
This data collection is split into two parts, the quantitative and qualitative studies, both of which examine the uses of assistive technologies for individuals with tetraplegia. The studies were led by Principal Investigator Kimberely R. Monden (University of Minnesota) and Co-Investigators Angela M. Hanks Philippus (University of Minnesota) and Susan Charlifue (Craig Hospital).
The quantitative study examined the characteristics and psychosocial impact of assistive technology (AT) use among adults with tetraplegia. The study sample includes adult individuals living with tetraplegia who utilize a range of assistive technologies to support daily functioning. Data were collected through structured surveys and interviews between September 1st, 2021, and November 1st, 2022, focusing on demographic information, injury characteristics, types of assistive technologies used, and psychosocial outcomes such as autonomy, satisfaction, and quality of life. Quantitative measures include standardized psychosocial scales, while qualitative responses provide contextual depth regarding personal experiences with AT. This dataset offers valuable insights into how specific AT devices contribute to functional independence and emotional well-being in this population, with implications for rehabilitation practices, policy development, and future innovations in assistive technology design.
The qualitative study explored perceived barriers and facilitators to access and utilization of assistive technology (AT) among Veterans and civilians living with tetraplegia. The study team also explored differences in access to and utilization of AT between civilians and Veterans. Facilitators of AT utilization and access included being connected to resources, trial-and-error, and knowledge gained from peers. Barriers to AT use included cost of devices, a general lack of awareness of resources, and requirements for eligibility; the latter two themes were endorsed solely by Veteran participants. Benefits of AT included increased independence, participation, productivity, quality of life, and safety. Findings highlight key facilitators of AT procurement and use, barriers that contribute to underutilization of AT, and benefits experienced as a result of using AT.
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Quantitative Study Data were collected via an online survey administered using University of Minnesota's REDCap platform. The survey consisted of items covering demographic information, assistive technology use, psychosocial measures, and quality of life indicators. Participants were recruited through spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers, online support groups, and community organizations. All participants provided informed consent before participation. The survey was administered over the phone by a member of the study team and took approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Qualitative Study Qualitative focus group data were collected via semi-structured discussion groups held in-person at the study sites. Focus groups of five to seven participants per group were conducted using an open-ended interview format. Prior to the beginning of the focus groups, participants completed brief demographic questionnaires. A total of six focus group discussions were recorded and subsequently transcribed by research staff, then analyzed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. Participants were recruited through mailed recruitment postcards or during outpatient clinic visits. All participants provided informed consent before participation.
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Universe View help for Universe
Adults with tetraplegia living in the United States.
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Description of Variables View help for Description of Variables
Variables in the quantitative data cover demographic information, assistive technology use, psychosocial measures, and quality of life indicators. Variables in the qualitative data include demographic information and health information.
Presence of Common Scales View help for Presence of Common Scales
Original Release Date View help for Original Release Date
2026-07-21
Version History View help for Version History
2026-07-21 ICPSR data undergo a confidentiality review and are altered when necessary to limit the risk of disclosure. ICPSR also routinely creates ready-to-go data files along with setups in the major statistical software formats as well as standard codebooks to accompany the data. In addition to these procedures, ICPSR performed the following processing steps for this data collection:
- Created variable labels and/or value labels.
- Checked for undocumented or out-of-range codes.
Notes
These data are freely available to data users at ICPSR member institutions. The curation and dissemination of this study are provided by the institutional members of ICPSR. How do I access ICPSR data if I am not at a member institution?