Evaluating Assistive Technologies in High Acuity Patients: A Scoping Review with SWOT Analysis

Authors

Mallory Kargela PT, DPT, Augustana UniversityFollow
Amanda Anderson PT, DPT, Midwestern UniversityFollow
Lindsay Anderson PT, DPT, Midwestern UniversityFollow
Tian Gong PT, DPT, Midwestern UniversityFollow
Kylie Scott PT, DPT, EdD, Midwestern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: This publication examines the application of assistive technologies (AT) in high-acuity environments, including intensive care units (ICUs), acute care hospitals, and others. The aim is to systematically explore and synthesize the use of AT across these settings, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated. Methods: A literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2023 using PubMed, Tufts and Midwestern University Library databases. Search terms included ('physical therapy' OR 'physiotherapy') AND ('critically ill' OR 'acute' OR 'intensive care') AND ('assistive technology' OR 'technology' OR 'telerehabilitation' OR 'telePT' OR 'functional electrical stimulation' OR 'FES' OR 'cycle ergometry' OR 'neuromuscular electrical stimulation' OR 'NMES'). Studies were excluded if published before 2017, not in English, lacked free full-text, focused solely on outpatient physical therapy, involved non-high-acuity populations, were non-peer-reviewed, included participants under 18, or applied AT outside the scope of physical therapy. Results: The final search was completed on June 4, 2023, with data synthesized using a SWOT analysis framework. Out of 8,302 articles identified, 53 were included for review. Six interventions emerged with strengths including safety, feasibility, and improved worker safety. Opportunities were noted in individualized rehabilitation and combined technologies. Weaknesses included variable effectiveness, limited evidence on patient-centered outcomes, resource intensity, and safety concerns. Conclusion: This review provides insights into the use of AT in high-acuity environments, offering guidance for physical therapists on the potential benefits and limitations of these technologies. Further prospective studies on AT in ICU settings are needed to enhance acute care physical therapy practice.

Author Bio(s)

Mallory Kargela, PT, DPT is a Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiopulmonary and Physical Therapy and Associate Professor at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She also practices in the state of Arizona.

Amanda Anderson, PT, DPT is a Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy and is practicing in the state of Arizona.

Lindsay Anderson, PT, DPT is a Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy and practicing in the state of Arizona.

Tian Gong, PT, DPT, is practicing in the state of California.

Kylie Scott, PT, DPT is a Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Associate Professor at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. She also practices in the state of Arizona.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Dale Needham for his original work which was the catalyst for this review.

Recommended Citation

Kargela M, Anderson A, Anderson L, Gong T, Scott K. Evaluating Assistive Technologies in High Acuity Patients: A Scoping Review with SWOT Analysis. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Jul 28;23(3), Article 19.