Impact of Assistive Technology Lending Banks: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Access to assistive technology (AT) remains a major global challenge, with only 10% of people in need having access to essential devices. Free loan banks of assistive products have emerged as a strategy to promote equitable access, reduce costs, and improve autonomy and quality of life. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the impact of free loaner assistive device programs. A comprehensive search, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted in Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, covering diverse populations and study designs. The results suggest a positive influence of these programs on autonomy, social participation, and quality of life, with a high demand for mobility and augmentative communication devices. Programs that incorporated interdisciplinary professional support reported better device-person matching, lower abandonment rates, and higher user satisfaction, as measured by tools such as PIADS, QUEST, and the MPT model. Moreover, loan programs demonstrated economic sustainability through reuse strategies, achieving up to 55% cost reduction. Despite these benefits, challenges remain, including unequal access, financial sustainability, and lack of standardized evaluation tools. Strengthening research, policy support, and professionalized management is essential to ensure the long-term success and scalability of AT loan programs.