Exploring the impact of wheelchair design on user function in a rural South African setting
Afr. j. disabil. (Online)
; 4(1): 1-8, 2015. ilus
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1256834
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Background:
Wheelchairs provide mobility that can enhance function and community integration. Function in a wheelchair is influenced by wheelchair design.Objectives:
To explore the impact of wheelchair design on user function and the variables that guided wheelchair prescription in the study setting.Method:
A mixed-method, descriptive design using convenience sampling was implemented. Quantitative data were collected from 30 wheelchair users using the functioning every day with a Wheelchair Scale and a Wheelchair Specification Checklist. Qualitative data were collected from ten therapists who prescribed wheelchairs to these users, through interviews. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify relationships; and content analysis was undertaken to identify emerging themes in qualitative data.Results:
Wheelchairs with urban designs were issued to 25 (83%) participants. Wheelchair size; fit, support and functional features created challenges concerning transport, operating the wheelchair, performing personal tasks, and indoor and outdoor mobility. Users using wheelchairs designed for use in semi-rural environments achieved significantly better scores regarding the appropriateness of the prescribed wheelchair than those using wheelchairs designed for urban use (p = 0.01). Therapists prescribed the basic, four-wheel folding frame design most often because of a lack of funding, lack of assessment, lack of skills and user choice.Conclusion:
Issuing urban type wheelchairs to users living in rural settings might have a negative effect on users' functional outcomes. Comprehensive assessments, further training and research, on long term cost and quality of life implications, regarding provision of a suitable wheelchair versus a cheaper less suitable option is recommended
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Rural Population
/
South Africa
/
Wheelchairs
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. disabil. (Online)
Year:
2015
Type:
Article
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