Abstract

Introduction
Assistive Technology, from simple household aids to digital monitoring tools to home modifications can support function (e.g. mobility, self-management), social participation and improve wellbeing among people living with long term conditions and help in reducing costs to health and social care. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs), mobility, maintaining independence, reducing reliance on others and active participation in social activities is important but little is known about the role of Assistive Technology in supporting these needs.

Method
World Cafe, a participatory method was conducted (November 2025), among people with COPD-MLTCs, their caregivers from diverse communities and health and social care professionals (n=19 total). Participants in small table groups, engaged in constructive conversations around how people with COPD-MLTCs can use Assistive Technology to support them live a more independent and fulfilling life. The discussion was captured by taking down notes and collecting the information written and drawn by the participants on the table sheets provided. A coding framework and the Assistive Technology service provision pathway(1) supported the analysis and interpretation of the findings.

Results
Participants highlighted a variety of electronic or digital AT that encouraged self-management behaviours and supported self-management; simple physical aids and home modifications supported mobility and made everyday tasks less exhausting. However, problems with existing AT requiring solutions were raised such as access (“Unless you research yourself, you don’t really know what’s out there.”), use (“Things break and don’t always work when you need them”) and appropriateness of AT (“Technology helps, but it’s not always comfortable”). Participants called attention to several priority areas (e.g. Technology being inclusive) in support of independent living (see Figure) including areas for future research (e.g. Evaluate existing technology in areas of safety, ease of use).

Conclusion
Improvements in Assistive Technology service provision and the wider physical and social environment are necessary to support more people with COPD-MLTCs living independently with improved health and wellbeing.

1. Layton N, Spann A, Khan M, Contepomi S, Hoogerwerf EJ, Bell D, et al. Guidelines for assistive technology service provision – A scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2024;19(8):2806-17.