Skip to main content
. 2023 Jul 21;23:447. doi: 10.1186/s12877-023-04106-7

Table 8.

Tools supporting mobility and related barriers

Indoor
Opportunity Barriers
For medical specialist care

• medical check-up records and treatment and care records

• remote medical care practice services

• use of new technologies (AI, robots) which bring improved patient engagement

• cost savings by reducing the need for manual labour and increasing efficiency

• more effective with other healthcare providers

• better access to data

• protection of personal data

• time to learn and implement new technology into their workflows

• doctors prefer to stick to traditional methods of patient care

• the cost of purchasing and implementing new technology

• different systems and devices may not be able to communicate with one another

For individual use

• improved health outcomes by use: hip protectors, wheelchair/scooter safety features, intelligent walkers, fall alarms, environmental aids, robots, transfer assistance and toileting care

• increased access to information

• improved communication with healthcare providers

• better tracking of personal health data

• more convenient and accessible care

• more active role in one’s own care

• fear or distrust of technology

• a lack of experience with touchscreens and other user interfaces

• health conditions, such as vision and hearing loss, may make it difficult

• high cost of smart technology, medical devices

Outdoor
Opportunity Barriers
For medical specialist care

• improved patient outcomes

• remote monitoring

• increased access to information

• more informed decisions about treatment and care

• unsuitable environment and equipment of stops

• low frequency of connections

• difficulties in boarding and alighting

For individual use

• improved health outcomes (by using wearable devices and other technology, patients can better track their health, including their physical activity, heart rate, and other vital signs)

• increased access to information, and more convenient and accessible care

• improved safety (by use of fall detectors, voice-activated assistants, medication reminders)

• cost of purchasing and implementing new technology

• problem with conditions such as bad air or temperature, orientation in timetables, noise or unpleasant environment, physical barriers in connection with location of toilets, railings, lighting, etc

• limited connectivity

• battery life

• some wearable devices and technology may not be durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions and may break or malfunction easily