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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate user satisfaction with wheelchair seating aids. A modified version of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST) was used to assess satisfaction of 24 subjects who owned a modular-type seating device integrated in a powered wheelchair. The results of this QUEST-based approach revealed that the variable comfort was identified as the most important consumer criterion yet it was evaluated as the least satisfying. There were statistically significant (p < 0.05) gender differences in the degree of importance and the degree of satisfaction scored on several variables as well as significant differences between subjects living at home and subjects living in institutions. The results support the value of consumer opinion and challenge the assumptions of assistive technology professionals. This study underscores the appropriateness of assessing consumer satisfaction in a systematic and ecologically valid manner.