Older adults' use of, and satisfaction with, electric powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs (original) (raw)
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User perceptions of powered wheelchair features
Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 2020
There has been a substantial increase in recent years in the availability of powered wheelchairs and associated features. However, the psychological factors explaining feature use are poorly understood. The current study aims to explore this issue. Semistructured interviews of 15 British wheelchairs users were conducted; all had a range of disabilities and clinically prescribed seating functions. Our aim was to explore participants' perceptions in terms of engagement and use of their wheelchair technology. Interview schedules were generated based on prior research on psychological factors associated with health and well-being. Questions focused on participants' knowledge of features and how to use them, perceived barriers and facilitating factors, motivation to use, and perceptions of social support. A theory led thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) clinical benefits and functional alternatives, (b) expectations versus reality, and (c) the impact of other people. There was diversity in the perceptions that users had of their equipment, with positive views of features linking to users' experience of functional benefits and matches between equipment and prior expectations. Recommendations are made to highlight functional as well as clinical benefits, to explore therapists' experiences of their practice, to consider how information could be presented, and to explore uses of social support and innovative technologies in future work.
Technologies
Several studies showed positive effects of assistive technologies on psychosocial impact and participation of adults with mobility impairments. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial and participation impact of powered wheelchairs. Participants were thirty persons with disabilities who use powered wheelchairs with diverse medical conditions. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale and the Activities and Participation Profile Related to Mobility were used, in addition to demographic, clinical and wheelchair related questions. The participants were satisfied with both the assistive technology and related services, with the lowest satisfaction scores belonging to those who had been using their wheelchairs for a longer period of time. We noticed significant restrictions in participation mostly among persons with longer wheelchair utilization. The most satisfied were the ones with better pe...
Everyday life for users of electric wheelchairs – a qualitative interview study
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2012
This article reports a conversation analysis of assessment package consultations. Healthcare delivery packages belong to a highly structured mode of healthcare delivery, in which specific courses of healthcare interventions related to assessment and treatment are predefined, both as to timing and content. Assessment packages are widely used in an increasing number of medical specialities; however, there is a lack of knowledge about how packaged assessment influences the interaction between doctor and patient. In this study, we investigate the final consultation in assessment packages, which is when the final clarification of the patient's symptoms takes place. The primary data of the study were eight audio recordings of consultations, and the secondary data were ethnographic field descriptions. In most consultations, packaged assessment was a resource as it provided fast and efficient clarification. In most cases,
User evaluation of the Neater Uni-wheelchair in the home environment: an exploratory pilot study
International journal of therapy and rehabilitation, 2011
Background: The Neater Uni-wheelchair was designed as an alternative to powered wheelchairs, lever drive and dual handrim wheelchairs for hemiplegic users. It is a standard Action 3 chair to which a kit has been attached which enables users to self-propel and steer independently of attendants. The aim of this pilot study was to explore users' experiences of the Neater Uni-wheelchair in the home environment. Methods: Six users from a previous study, carried out in 2009, agreed to evaluate the Neater Uniwheelchair in their home environments. The methodological approach was micro-ethnography (Holloway and Wheeler, 2010) and data were transcribed and analysed using Framework Analysis (Ritchie and Spencer, 1994). Findings: Key themes identified were independence and freedom, ease of use and manoeuvrability, usefulness and change in activity. This pilot study would support the notion that the Neater Uniwheelchair is a viable alternative to those that are currently available to hemiplegic users. Conclusions: The results from this exploratory study would support the need for a larger study. There are no storage issues, it is a cheaper option than a powered wheelchair and it would appear to increase independence, activity and participation in the short term.
The aim was to study the effect from using a powered wheelchair on old peoples' activity, participation and health related quality of life. Data was collected prior to prescription of a powered wheelchair and after four months use. Sample comprised 35 individuals >65 years of age referred to the Centre for Assistive Technology, Örebro county council, for prescription of a powered wheelchair. A statistically significant improvement with a large effect on IPPA; medium sized improvements on WHODAS 2.0; and small to medium sized improvements in SF-36; were shown. The sample was skewed (males n=28) and changes on WHODAS 2.0 and SF-36 could only be verified for men. In conclusion, a powered wheelchair has a great value for aged people. Further studies are warranted to explore the distribution of sex on powered wheelchair users.
Demographic profile of older adults using wheeled mobility devices
2011
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of wheeled mobility devices differed with respect to age, gender, residential setting, and health-related factors among older adults. A total of 723 adults ageing 60 and older are representing three cohorts, from nursing homes, the Center for Assistive Technology, and the wheelchair registry from the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Wheeled mobility devices were classified into three main groups: manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and scooters. Our results found factors including age, gender, diagnosis, and living settings to be associated with differences in use of manual versus powered mobility devices. Differences in use were also noted for subtypes of manual (depot, standard, and customized) and powered (scooter, standard, and customized) mobility devices, on demographic, living arrangements, and healthrelated factors. Consideration of demographic, health-related, and environmental factors during the prescription process may help clinicians identify the most appropriate mobility device for the user.
Users' Perceptions on Mobility, Comfort and Usability of Manual Wheelchairs
The objective of this study was to assess the users' perceptions on the extent to which the wheelchair meet their mobility needs and overall satisfaction. Fifteen manual wheelchair users were interviewed with a questionnaire comprising questions about their perceptions on aspects of the daily wheelchair usage such as comfort and mobility. The results show that, in general, users experience seating and mobility problems related to their wheelchair. Participants reported problems to move independently in ramps, steps and with wheelchair transfers. Moreover, discomfort and pain were also reported as problems resulting from the prolonged use of wheelchairs. For the majority of the subjects, their wheelchairs are not ideally suitable to them, suggesting problems in the wheelchair prescription and provision. The results demonstrate that, from the users' point of view, both mobility and comfort problems affect users' experience with the wheelchair in daily usage. Such problems ...