Investigation of Possum users in Scotland

Abstract

New users in Scotland of Possum PSU3 environmental control equipment were investigated over a 2-year period. At the conclusion of the study, of 48 disabled people, some 9 months after installation, 29 (60%) were still using the equipment, seven (15%) still had the equipment but were not using it, seven (15%) had had the equipment removed or cancelled at their request, and five (10%) had died. Of the 29 users eight (28%) were having specific operational difficulties. Analysis of a series of factors which could have influenced the outcome of the study did not reveal any one statistically significant factor affecting the success or failure of the use of the equipment for the whole sample. Individual case studies did reveal some problems which should be attended to, and which are relevant to occupational therapists.

Key Words:

• Community
• Environmental control equipment
• Severely physically disabled