Attitudes is the most important environmental factor for use of powered mobility devices – users’ perspectives

Figures & data

Table 1. Characteristics of the participants.

Characteristics
Age (years)
Mean age	50.1
Range	23-78
Sex
Male	6
Female	8
Aetiology (diagnosis ICD-10)
Diseases of nervous system, ICD 6	6
Diseases of musculoskeletal system, ICD 13	3
Injury, acquired amputation, ICD 19	5
Living status
Single	7
Cohabiting	6
Single together with parents	1
Vocational status
Working full time or part time	3
Retired	4
Temporary or permanent disability pension	7
Type of residence
Villa	2
Apartment	9
Other (sheltered housing)	3
Type of PMD
Three-wheeler scooter model	9
Four-wheeler joystick model	5
Experience of using PMDs (years)
Mean experience of using PMD	7.9
Range	2-18
Frequency of using PMD
Daily	11
Weekly	2
Monthly	1
Less than monthly	0
Never	0

Table 2. Interview guide.

Main question:

Is the environment influencing your PMD use?

If so, describe in what way, facilitating or impeding?

When do you use your PMD and when do you not use it?

Why is that?

Key words for the interviewer: Design of the PMD Function of the PMD Other technology – e.g. walkers, crutches, elevators, cars Climate and Seasonal variation Outdoor / Indoor environment Transportation – e.g. bus, train, airplane Daylight /darkness Family and friends’ support and attitudes Pets Colleagues’ support and attitudes Societal attitudes and social norms Health professionals and authorities Services, System and Policies, service delivery process

In summary:

Facilitating factors are…

Impeding factors are…

Is there something else in the environment that affects your use of PMD that you wish to add?

Table 3. Theme and categories.

Theme	Use of PMD means a conditional freedom depending on societal attitudes
Category	To be an individual or an object - the influence of attitudes and response		To be an active collaborator or a receiver in the service delivery process		To participate in society – the importance of accessibility to the physical environment		To feel worthy and equal as a citizen – the importance of financial resources
Sub category	Attitudes and response from other people	Trying to be invisible or to be in charge, the user’s own attitude	To be involved or not in the choice of PMD	Matching user information and accessibility to store and charge the PMD	Weather and shortcomings of the PMDs influence participation	City planning and public transport influence participation	Laws and policies as bearer of equality concerning costs, support and service	Feeling worthy or not due to financial support or restrictions