Background: Assistive technologies (ATs) are resources to promote the independence and participation of people with a disability. The use of standardized tools, based on outcome measures, is essential for guaranteeing high-quality rates. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT–2.0 (QUEST) is a scale to assess the satisfaction of people using any AT. Objectives: To translate and culturally validate the QUEST–2.0 for the Spanish population (QUEST 2.0-ES). Methods: A validation cross-design and descriptive study. The test–retest reliability, validity, and internal consistency of QUEST 2.0-ES were studied. It was divided into two phases: Sample 1 was formed by 26 persons; in sample 2, 30 persons participated. The conditions included neurological conditions, amputations, rare diseases, and deafness. Results: Thirty-five men and 21 women participated in total. The majority of AT used were those for mobility. QUEST 2.0-ES analysis showed internal consistency values between the test (α = 0.87) and retest versions (α = 0.89). The internal consistency was high for AT (test, α = 0.83; retest, α = 0.87) and Service (test, α = 0.80; retest, α = 0.80). The temporal reliability (1–2 weeks) for test–retest was 0.88. Conclusion: QUEST 2.0-ES showed good psychometric properties in terms of validity and test–retest reliability, and it is a good tool to assess the user’s satisfaction with ATs and services.

Population aging in Portugal, together with the high prevalence of chronic diseases, has contributed to an increase in functional disability and the need for assistive products. The Algarve region presents a high proportion of older adults and an increasing age dependency ratio, reflecting additional challenges for healthcare systems. This study aimed to analyse demographic trends, health morbidity, and access to assistive products in Portugal, with a particular focus on the role of Orthotics and Prosthetics.A descriptive analysis was conducted using secondary data obtained from national sources, including Statistics Portugal, the Directorate-General of Health, and the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P. Indicators related to population aging, chronic diseases, lower limb amputations, and beneficiaries of assistive products were considered. The results demonstrate an increase in the population aged 65 years and older, as well as a high prevalence of limitations in activities of daily living. A persistent trend of lower limb amputations associated with diabetes was also observed, despite a reduction in hospital admissions due to acute complications. Simultaneously, there has been an increasing demand for assistive products, particularly among individuals over 40 years of age.It can be concluded that the growing complexity of healthcare needs requires the adoption of user-centered access models, including continuous monitoring, maintenance, and adaptation of assistive devices. Orthotics and Prosthetics play a fundamental role within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to prevention strategies, early intervention, and continuity of care, and are essential to ensuring more efficient, equitable, and sustainable access to assistive products.

The study and manufacturing of prostheses and orthotics have been developed over the years based on the need to enable people with disabilities. The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics has stimulated technology improvement, scientific meetings, P&O curriculum program recognition. The P&O B.Sc. degree at the University of the Algarve has four academic years structured with a logical gradual increase in the acquisition of general and specific skills, through different teaching methods. The first two years are dedicated to general content with expositive methodologies. The syllabus more related with the specific formation areas is developed in the third academic year, where the autonomy of the students is stimulated, and the main teaching methods focus on active strategies. The fourth year is entirely dedicated to clinical practice, which promotes the autonomy of students in professional environment. Throughout the academic course, applied research is also encouraged and valued as a way of integrating knowledge from different areas.