Article

The aim of this paper is to explore how users of electric wheelchairs
experience their everyday life and how their electric wheelchairs influence their
daily occupation. Occupation is defined as a personalized dynamic interaction
between person, task and environment, and implies the value and meaning attached.
METHOD: Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced electric
wheelchair users. ValMo was used as the theoretical framework for both
interviewing and the analysis. The transcribed interviews were analysed using
thematic analysis. RESULTS: Findings revealed key elements in electric wheelchair
users' experience of how the use of a wheelchair influences everyday life and
occupation. Four central themes emerged from the participants' experiences 1) The
functionality of the wheelchair, 2) The wheelchair as an extension of the body,
3) The wheelchair and social life, and 4) The wheelchair and identity issues. The
themes were interrelated and show how all levels of occupation were influenced
both in a positive and negative way, and how it affected identity. CONCLUSIONS:
It is essential that professionals working with electric wheelchair users are
aware of how all levels of occupation and identity are influenced by using a
wheelchair. This will assist professionals in supporting the users living an
autonomous and meaningful life.

Langue : ANGLAIS