User satisfaction with mobility assistive devices: an important element in the rehabilitation process.

BACKGROUND: An assistive device often means an evident change in a person's ability, more easy to notice than the effects of most of other types of physiotherapy or occupational therapy intervention. In spite of this, there is very little evidence in this area.
PURPOSE: The objective was to follow-up user satisfaction with and the use and usefulness of rollators and manual wheelchairs. The objective was also to determine any difference in satisfaction between users of the two different types of mobility assistive products.
METHODS: A random sample of 262 users participated in the study, 175 rollator users and 87 wheelchair users. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology-QUEST 2.0 and an additional questionnaire were used for data collection.
RESULTS: Overall satisfaction with both types of device was high and most clients reported use of their device on a daily basis. There was a difference in how the users estimated the usefulness and other characteristics as well as some service aspects related to prescription and use of the two types of device. Most users reported not having had any follow-up; however, most users had not experienced any need for one.
CONCLUSIONS: A standardized follow-up will give rehabilitation professionals continuous and valuable information about the effect of and satisfaction with assistive devices.