Article

Many older adults in long-term-care homes have complex physical and cognitive
impairments and have difficulty propelling manual wheelchairs. Power wheelchair
use is restricted owing to safety concerns. Power wheelchairs with
collision-avoidance features are being developed to enable safe and independent
mobility; however, a paucity of information exists on interface features to help
users navigate away from obstacles. We developed a system combining an interface
with auditory, visual, and haptic feedback and a simulated collision-avoidance
power wheelchair.
This device allowed the investigator to stop movement of the
power wheelchair when users approached obstacles and to deliver feedback to help
them navigate. Five long-term-care home residents with mild or moderate cognitive
impairments evaluated device usability, which included effectiveness, efficiency,
and user satisfaction. Each resident used the device for six 1 h sessions.
Observations, feedback interviews, and outcome questionnaires were completed
during and after the sessions. We found the device effective in enabling
residents to achieve basic driving tasks and self-identified indoor mobility
goals. Furthermore, residents perceived workload to be low and were satisfied
with the device. Residents also felt that the feedback was useful to help them
navigate away from obstacles.

Langue : ANGLAIS