2026-10-14T02:59:47Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/34002872 2026-09-26T12:40:02Z category_7 category_21 category_272 category_45 category_734 category_61 category_106 portal_87 item_type_3 month_year_09_2026

Demand and supply analysis of assistive technology in China Kexin Wang (758568) Bin Zhou (84959) Ming Huo (10004904) Lin Wang (11986) Xilin Huang (22995383) Weishuo Si (25114277) Xiao Wen (526040) Shuangyan Shao (25114280) Medicine Biotechnology Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified Sociology Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified Developmental Biology Science Policy Assistive technology assistive products demand supply China <p>To understand the current landscape of supply and demand for assistive technology in China, and to actively foster the development of the assistive products industry, thereby enhancing accessibility for all and promoting national health.</p> <p>A web-based survey was conducted with 243 demand-side respondents, 560 healthcare professionals, and 12 supply-side respondents. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the survey data.</p> <p>Survey data showed that 63.37% of demand-side respondents reported a demand for assistive products. Among those who reported a demand, 73.38% owned and used a product, indicating a 26.62% unmet demand. The main reasons for unmet need were lack of professional support (46.50%), difficulty in selecting appropriate products (41.98%), and high cost (30.86%). Healthcare professionals identified lack of guidance/training (74.46%), inadequate fitting (59.29%), and unreasonable pricing (55%) as key issues. Among suppliers, 91.67% offered sales services, 83.33% consultation, 75% after sales, 66.67% Product design, 66.67% manufacturing, 58.33% education/training, 50% customization, 50% rental/leasing, and 41.67% distribution.</p> <p>China’s assistive products industry is well-developed but faces a demand-supply mismatch. Key usage barriers include lack of professional guidance, selection difficulty, and financial constraints. Solutions require improved healthcare policies, enhanced professional training, reduced device costs, and systematic follow-up on satisfaction and outcomes. These measures will increase accessibility and usability, improving quality of life for individuals with functional limitations and ultimately benefiting families and society.</p> <p>1. Bridging the demand–supply gap: Structured professional guidance and personalized fitting are needed to translate reported needs into actual access to assistive products.</p> <p>2. Emphasizing training and proper fitting: Device provision alone is insufficient. Systematic hands-on training for users and caregivers is essential for achieving functional autonomy rather than dependence.</p> <p>3. Integrating policy refinement, cost reduction, and outcome tracking: Continuous refinement of healthcare policies, reduction of device costs, and systematic tracking of user satisfaction and post‑use quality of life are needed. An active role of rehabilitation services in these efforts is essential to achieve universal access and improve outcomes for individuals with functional limitations.</p> 2026-09-26T12:40:02Z Dataset Dataset 10.6084/m9.figshare.34002872.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Demand_and_supply_analysis_of_assistive_technology_in_China/34002872 CC BY 4.0