Article

PURPOSE: To describe current practices for manual wheelchair (MWC) skills
training in Canadian rehabilitation centers. METHODS: An online survey was sent
to practice leaders in occupational (OT) and physical therapy (PT) at 87 Canadian
rehabilitation centers. Responses were solicited from individuals who could
report about wheelchair skills training at facilities with at least 10 beds
designated for rehabilitation. Thirty-four questions asked about: (1)
demographics, (2) components of MWC training, (3) amount of MWC skills training,
(4) use of validated programs and (5) perceived barriers to using validated
programs. Data were analyzed using summary statistics. RESULTS: About 68/87
responses were received primarily from OTs (42/68). Basic MWC skills training
(e.g. wheel-locks) was consistently part of clinical practice (45/68), while
advanced skills training (e.g. curb-cuts) was rare (8/68). On an average, 1-4 h
of training was done (29/68). Validated training programs were used by 16/68,
most of whom used them "rarely" (7/16). Common barriers to using validated
programs were lack of time (43/68) and resources (39/68). CONCLUSIONS: Learning
to use a wheelchair is important for those with ambulation impairments because
the wheelchair enables mobility and social participation. Providing opportunities
for advanced wheelchair skills training may enhance mobility and social
participation in a safe manner. Implications for Rehabilitation There is evidence
confirming the benefits of a validated wheelchair skills program, yet most
clinicians do no not use them. A variety of perceived barriers may help to
explain the limited use of existing programs, such as time, resources and
knowledge. Effective knowledge translation efforts may help alleviate some of
these barriers, and novel wheelchair training approaches may alleviate some
burden on clinicians to help accommodate the increasing number of older
wheelchair users.

Langue : ANGLAIS