Article

PURPOSE: To explore power wheelchair users', caregivers' and clinicians'
perspectives regarding the potential impact of intelligent power wheelchair use
on social participation. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with
power wheelchair users (n = 12), caregivers (n = 4) and clinicians
(n = 12). An
illustrative video was used to facilitate discussion.
The transcribed interviews
were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified
based on the experiences of the power wheelchair users, caregivers and
clinicians: (1) increased social participation opportunities, (2) changing how
social participation is experienced and (3) decreased risk of accidents during
social participation. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest that an
intelligent power wheelchair would enhance social participation in a variety of
important ways, thereby providing support for continued design and development of
this assistive technology. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: An intelligent power
wheelchair has the potential to: Increase social participation opportunities by
overcoming challenges associated with navigating through crowds and small spaces.
Change how social participation is experienced through "normalizing" social
interactions and decreasing the effort required to drive a power wheelchair.
Decrease the risk of accidents during social participation by reducing the need
for dangerous compensatory strategies and minimizing the impact of the physical environment.

Langue : ANGLAIS