Utilization and user satisfaction with alternating pressure air cushions: a pilot study of at-risk individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Purpose: An appropriate wheelchair cushion is integral to pressure ulcer (PU) prevention for the wheelchair user with SCI. For users who find it difficult to remember or perform weight shifts, an alternating pressure air cushion (APAC) may off-load pressure to minimize PU risk. APACs are considered mobility assistive technology (AT). Effective AT delivery includes consideration of the AT consumer as a unique individual. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) is a structured and standardized method to measure user satisfaction with AT. Method: Twelve full time wheelchair users with SCI were provided with an APAC six times for 2 weeks daily home use every 3 months. At the completion of the 18-month study period, the 8-variable QUEST 2.0b questionnaire was applied to evaluate satisfaction with APAC use. Results: Users were generally quite satisfied with APAC weight (p < 0.01 relative to neutral). Durability was more likely to be an area of concern. Overall, 92% of participants considered themselves quite satisfied or very satisfied with APAC use (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Users with SCI were satisfied with the overall performance of the APAC tested after repeated periods of use. The majority of user's were very satisfied with APAC comfort overall.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Abandonment of AT may be reduced if user satisfaction is evaluated.

• The QUEST 2.0b is a useful and valid measure of user satisfaction with alternating pressure air cushions.

• In the current study cohort, users with SCI were satisfied with the performance and comfort of the APAC tested after repeated periods of use.

Keywords:

• Comfort
• device performance
• pressure relief
• weight-shifting
• wheelchair seating

Acknowledgements

The ideas and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily reflective of the NIDRR. The authors would like to thank Drs. Greg Nemunaitis and Melvin Mejia for publicizing the study to their patients and Ms Amy Winslow for participant recruitment and enrolment.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper. This work was funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Spinal Cord Injury, Grant #H133E070024.