Economic Analysis Methods Applied to Assistive Technology Devices and Services: A Literature Review

Abstract

AbstractAssistive technology devices (ATD) and services (ATS) are generally applied to assist the people with disabilities and the elderly who have limited independent performance in daily life. The Korean government is also providing support through various projects, but the evidence for its effectiveness is lacking, and its application is also limited. Therefore, it is necessary to objectively measure the value of ATD and present evidence. This study analyzed studies that measured the economic and non-economic values of ATD and ATS through a systematic literature review, and looked at the overall economic analysis process. The database was compiled using KCI, NDSL, Web of Science and Scopus. Nineteen studies were selected according to a set procedure for literature screening, and the quality level of studies was analyzed through the CHEERS checklist 2022. Most studies have analyzed hearing aids, and most studies have used cost-effectiveness techniques. Measurement instruments were most commonly used to measure health and quality of life, accounting for approximately 60% of all. The quality level of the studies was calculated as ‘Good’ and ‘Average’ grades. In the future, it is expected that a high-quality economic analysis study will be conducted to measure the economic and non-economic values of various ATD and ATS in Korea.