Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Date Submitted: Jan 29, 2026
Date Accepted: Jul 27, 2026
Facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of IoT-equipped powered wheelchairs in Sweden: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives
ABSTRACT
Background:
The implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to proactively monitor the functioning of assistive products remains underexplored, particularly in public assistive technology services.
Objective:
This qualitative single-case study investigated how a public assistive technology provider in Sweden implemented IoT-equipped assistive products.
Methods:
The implementation process was mapped, and thematic analysis of interviews with six participants representing key organizational roles was conducted.
Results:
The process comprised nine major events involving four main actor groups. The findings included four themes of facilitators and five themes of barriers, which were synthesized into three meta-themes: (1) system-level structures that enable and constrain implementation; (2) tensions between technological potential and challenges of realizing it; and (3) relational and cultural dynamics that balance trust with caution.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight the need for a holistic implementation approach that integrates user needs, privacy considerations, and regulatory demands, while leveraging leadership, technical expertise, and collaboration to navigate challenges of adopting IoT within assistive technology services.
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Copyright
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