Technology Abandonment
The discontinuation of an assistive or rehabilitation technology device by a user, often resulting from poor fit between device characteristics and the individual's needs, preferences, or environment.
Full Definition
Technology abandonment is a documented phenomenon in rehabilitation technology research, defined as the permanent or long-term discontinuation of a prescribed device regardless of whether it is returned, stored, or discarded. Research consistently shows that abandonment rates for some device categories (e.g., hearing aids, AAC devices) exceed 30%. Key predictors include inadequate user training, lack of consumer involvement in the selection process, changes in functional status, and poor environmental compatibility. Editors should note that 'abandonment' is the standard academic term; informal synonyms such as 'non-use' or 'disuse' may appear in the literature but are not interchangeable in formal contexts. The word is not hyphenated.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'technology abandonment' in preference to informal alternatives like 'non-use' in research and clinical documents. Do not conflate with 'device failure,' which implies a mechanical rather than behavioural cause for discontinuation.
In Context
- "Technology abandonment was identified as a primary outcome measure, defined as non-use of the prescribed device for more than three consecutive months." — Research study protocol
- "The review article used 'disuse' and 'abandonment' interchangeably; the editor standardised all instances to 'technology abandonment' for terminological consistency." — Academic manuscript editing note