Kersti Samuelsson1, Ewa Wressle. 1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden .
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effect of electric powered wheelchairs/scooters (PWC/S) on occupational performance, social participation, health and life satisfaction. In addition, this study estimates the costs and benefits of PWC/S and describes users' experiences with the delivery process. METHODS: This prospective study has a before-and-after design. Postal questionnaires were sent to 24 first-time PWC/S users before delivery of the PWC/S and 4 months after delivery. The participants used their PWC/S for outdoor mobility. RESULTS: PWC/S improved the users' daily lives, their ability to engage in mobility-related activities and their social participation. For a majority of the users, estimated independence, feelings of safety and self-esteem increased although overall health and life satisfaction were not significantly affected. All users thought that the therapist had considered their needs during the providing process. Most participants (73%) were satisfied with their device at follow-up. For the 12 users who reported no change in health status between measures, the mean societal savings based on calculated costs for assistance was €6227 per person per year. CONCLUSIONS: PWC/S seems to improve occupational performance, social participation and life satisfaction for users. Moreover, these improvements seem to have an economic advantage for both users and society. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The use of a PWC/S has been shown to positively affect a person's independence in daily activities which in turn increases the sense of self-esteem and security. Facilitating mobility is cost-effective both from a societal as well as from anindividual perspective and should be a key intervention in rehabilitation.
PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effect of electric powered wheelchairs/scooters (PWC/S) on occupational performance, social participation, health and life satisfaction. In addition, this study estimates the costs and benefits of PWC/S and describes users' experiences with the delivery process. METHODS: This prospective study has a before-and-after design. Postal questionnaires were sent to 24 first-time PWC/S users before delivery of the PWC/S and 4 months after delivery. The participants used their PWC/S for outdoor mobility. RESULTS: PWC/S improved the users' daily lives, their ability to engage in mobility-related activities and their social participation. For a majority of the users, estimated independence, feelings of safety and self-esteem increased although overall health and life satisfaction were not significantly affected. All users thought that the therapist had considered their needs during the providing process. Most participants (73%) were satisfied with their device at follow-up. For the 12 users who reported no change in health status between measures, the mean societal savings based on calculated costs for assistance was €6227 per person per year. CONCLUSIONS: PWC/S seems to improve occupational performance, social participation and life satisfaction for users. Moreover, these improvements seem to have an economic advantage for both users and society. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The use of a PWC/S has been shown to positively affect a person's independence in daily activities which in turn increases the sense of self-esteem and security. Facilitating mobility is cost-effective both from a societal as well as from anindividual perspective and should be a key intervention in rehabilitation.
Authors: W Ben Mortenson; Louise Demers; Paula W Rushton; Claudine Auger; Francois Routhier; William C Miller Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2015-09-25 Impact factor: 3.966
Authors: W Ben Mortenson; Sharon Jang; Charlie H Goldsmith; Laura Hurd Clarke; Sandra Hobson; Richelle Emery Journal: Trials Date: 2017-05-25 Impact factor: 2.279