Abstract
Aims: To explore and describe current practices in the USA related to the provision of paediatric power wheelchairs (PWCs) from the perspective of professionals involved in recommending, ordering or prescribing a PWC, and to compare and contrast current PWC practices to findings of a 2001 survey.
Materials and methods: This descriptive study utilized a web-based survey to collect quantitative and qualitative data related to paediatric PWC evaluation activities, recommendations, decision-making considerations and other issues related to the provision of paediatric PWCs.
Results: Both child and non-child related PWC evaluation activities were reported as frequently occurring and important. Recommendations for a child who was evaluated for a PWC but who was not endorsed to receive one included extended PWC practice and determining a child’s mobility prognosis. The average age of the youngest child for whom respondents had recommended a PWC was 3 years, 3.56 months. Significant differences between the responses to this 2018 survey and a 2001 survey were found suggesting possible changes in practice pertaining to PWC evaluation activities as well as to recommendations for a child who is not endorsed to receive a PWC.
Conclusions: Findings of the current survey suggest that barriers exist to a child, especially a younger child, obtaining a PWC.
Findings of the current (2018) survey suggest that barriers exist to a child obtaining a PWC.
Respondents reported that the primary reasons for not recommending a paediatric PWC included cognitive, physical and behavioural factors.
Respondents reported that the primary reasons a paediatric PWC was not obtained for a child who qualified to receive a PWC related to family support, transportation and home environment.
Differences between responses to 2018 survey and the 2001 survey indicate changes in practice.
Implications for Rehabilitation
Disclosure statement
No potential conflicts of interest was reported by the authors.