User Perspectives on the Service Delivery of Complex Power Wheelchairs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore users’ perspectives on power wheelchair service delivery and understand their involvement in the equipment trial and selection process. Five power wheelchair users participated in. Responses and interview data analysis supported four main themes describing variability in the evaluation practices of the provider team, how consumers’ participation goals were impacted by equipment usability, consumer involvement in equipment selection influenced satisfaction, and illustrated the complexities in the service delivery process. The conclusion suggests consumer involvement in the trial and selection process may contribute to power wheelchair outcome usability, satisfaction, and occupational engagement.

Keywords:

• Assistive technologies
• evaluation
• occupational engagement
• power wheelchairs
• qualitative research

Declaration of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amanda E. Balser

Amanda Balser, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS. She was a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate student at Eastern Kentucky University at the time of this study. This study was completed as partial fulfilment of her degree.

Dana M. Howell

Dana M. Howell, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA; She is the Chair of the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She is the founding editor of the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education.

Shirley P. O’Brien

Shirley P. O’Brien, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; She is a faculty member in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a Foundation Professor and Coordinator of the EKU Faculty Innovator program.