Article

PURPOSE: The WheelSense project aims to develop a system for assessing the
stability and performance of wheelchairs through a user-centred design process.
This study sought to capture user needs and define the specification for the
system. METHOD: A mixed methods approach was adopted. An online survey was
completed by 98 participants working in wheelchair provision. The results were
built upon through 10 semi-structured interviews and one focus group (n = 5) with
professionals working in wheelchair provision in three NHS Trusts in the UK.
RESULTS: The results provided a picture of the current UK practice in stability
testing. Issues with the reliability and usefulness of the existing methods used
to assess the stability and performance of wheelchairs were highlighted.
Requirements for a new system were ascertained. These included improved accuracy
of tipping angles, features to support record keeping, improved client/carer
education support and ability to model or predict client-wheelchair system
performance in different configurations. CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes that
there is a need for improved tools to determine the stability of the
client-wheelchair system and support the prescription process, to ensure client
safety and optimum equipment performance. A list of requirements has been
produced to guide the future development of WheelSense. Implications for
Rehabilitation The results of this survey and interview-based study present a
picture of wheelchair stability testing practices in the UK, and highlight the
need for new, more informative methods for guiding wheelchair prescription. The
requirements for the design of a new system, or further development of existing
tools to support the stability testing and prescription of wheelchairs have been
established.

Langue : ANGLAIS