Article

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of control devices for electrically powered
wheelchairs (EPWs), related characteristic features and users' views on their
utility. METHOD: Postal survey of users of a regional NHS wheelchair service
using a purpose-designed questionnaire (n = 262, >/=18 years old). RESULTS: Mean
age 54.4 years, female 56.8%, mean duration EPW use 10.1 years, mean usage 6.7
days per week and 9.2 h per day. Largest diagnostic groups: Multiple Sclerosis
28.3%, Cerebral Palsy 13.8% and Spinal Cord Injury 11.7%. Control device types
94.6% hand joystick, 2.3% chin joystick, 2.7% switches and 0.4% foot control.
42.4% reported fatigue or tiredness and 38.8% pain or discomfort limited EPW use.
28.0% reported an accident or mishap. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study of
control devices on a large, general population of EPW users. The majority have
control devices that meet their needs, with high levels of user satisfaction,
though some might benefit from adjustments or modifications to their current
provision and others might benefit by changing to a different type of control
device. High proportions reported fatigue or tiredness and pain or discomfort
limit their EPW use.
The study provides indicators for prescribers and
manufacturers of control devices for EPWs. Implications for Rehabilitation Most
users have control devices that meet their needs, with high levels of
satisfaction, but some would benefit from adjustments or modifications or a
change of type. A high proportion reported fatigue or tiredness and pain or
discomfort limit their use of their EPW and prescribers need to be mindful of
these issues when determining the most suitable type of control device and where
it should be positioned. The vast majority of users have a hand joystick as a
control device with alternative control devices (such as chin joysticks and
switches) being far less prevalent. Adverse incidents may arise due to difficulty
with manoeuvring or accidental activation of the hand joystick that can lead to
collisions and even entrapment.

Langue : ANGLAIS