Men’s and women’s perspectives on using a powered mobility device: Benefits and societal challenges

Abstract

Objective: To describe how men and women experience their use of powered wheelchairs (PW) and powered scooters (PS) in everyday occupations, in the home and in society at large. Methods: A qualitative research approach with focus-group methodology was used. Four focus groups were created, with men and women as well as PW and PS users in different groups. Applying a descriptive approach, data were analysed according to the principles described by Krueger. Findings: Three categories emerged and revealed that even though use of PW and PS increased independence and enabled everyday occupations, participants struggled to be independent powered mobility device (PMD) users. They experienced many accessibility problems in dwellings and in society, described similarly by users of PW and PS. Men and women experienced their use of (PMD) differently, especially in relation to the service delivery process. Conclusions: The study contributes with new knowledge on accessibility for PW and PS users and related service delivery processes, stating that gender differences regarding provision and training must be taken into account. Occupational therapists can contribute to an enhanced understanding of PMD users’ challenges in person–environment–occupation transactions in the home and society, and thereby promote occupational justice for PMD users.

Key words::

• powered wheelchair
• powered scooter
• gender
• focus group
• environment
• accessibility

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants in this study for taking their time to participate in the focus groups discussions. This study was supported by funding from the Foundation Promobilia, Stockholm, and the Ribbingska Foundation, Lund, Sweden. It was accomplished in the context of the Centre of Ageing and Supportive Environments (CASE) at Lund University, financed by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.