Article

This study examined the accuracy of new wheelchair user predictions
about their future wheelchair use. This was a prospective cohort study of
84 community-dwelling veterans provided a new manual wheelchair. RESULTS:
The association between predicted and actual wheelchair use was strong at 3 mos
(varphi coefficient = 0.56), with 90% of those who anticipated using the
wheelchair at 3 mos still using it (i.e., positive predictive value = 0.96) and
60% of those who anticipated not using it indeed no longer using the wheelchair
(i.e., negative predictive value = 0.60, overall accuracy = 0.92). Predictive
accuracy diminished over time, with overall accuracy declining from 0.92 at 3 mos
to 0.66 at 6 mos. At all time points, and for all types of use, patients better
predicted use as opposed to disuse, with correspondingly higher positive than
negative predictive values. Accuracy of prediction of use in specific indoor and
outdoor locations varied according to location. CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates the importance of better understanding the potential mismatch
between the anticipated and actual patterns of wheelchair use. The findings
suggest that users can be relied upon to accurately predict their basic
wheelchair-related needs in the short-term. Further exploration is needed to
identify characteristics that will aid users and their providers in more accurately predicting mobility needs for the long-term.

Langue : ANGLAIS