Evaluating use and outcomes of mobility technology: A multiple stakeholder analysis

Abstract

The conceptual fit model and factors related to self-management of MT represent new knowledge and provide a framework for stakeholder-based evaluation of MT outcomes. Implications for MT assessment, service delivery, outcomes research, and interventions are discussed.

Exploratory Validation of a Multidimensional Power Wheelchair Outcomes Toolkit

“…Therefore, in our model, confidence with a powered wheelchair (WheelCon-P) is anticipated to have a direct influence on powered wheelchair skills (WST-P), life-space mobility (LSA), as well as perceived difficulty with physical performance and instrumental skills of daily living (IADLs) (i.e., ATOP/M-A), and social and discretionary role performance (i.e., ATOP/M-P) with power wheelchair use. There is some empirical support for these relationships among manual wheelchair users as wheelchair skill training has been found to improve confidence with a manual wheelchair (19) and wheelchair confidence is associated with increased frequency of participation (27). As a capacity measure, wheelchair skills are anticipated to have a direct effect on life-space mobility (LSA) and perceived difficulty with activity and participation (ATOP/M).…”

“…As device use becomes more habitual, it may lead to changes in mobility and social participation. As illustrated in Table I, the toolkit included five measures: the Wheelchair Skills Test for powered wheelchair users (WST-P) (16), the Late Life Disability Index (LLDI) (17), Life-space Assessment (LSA) (18), the Assistive Technology Outcomes Profile for Mobility, which includes two independent sub-scales for activity and participation (ATOP/M-A and ATOP/M-P) and the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for powered mobility users (WheelCon-P) (18,19).…”

Challenges of user-centred assistive technology provision in Australia: shopping without a prescription

“…Injury, illness or a decline in function can indicate potential for AT use, but may be associated with grief or stigma, affecting the type of AT those consumers will accept [34]. People rehabilitating from injury, for example, can feel overwhelmed, and find it difficult to make AT choices, with little knowledge of what to choose, but an awareness of the expense [35]. As a comparison, the starting point of AT provision for elderly people who experience difficulties in everyday activities is less clearly defined, but they seem to experience similar difficulties [19].…”

“…Contact with peers mentors has been linked to increased, choice, control and long-term selfmanagement [35]. The principles of self-management, adopted by people with chronic illnesses and symptoms, are also applicable for AT users living with long-term disabilities [35].…”

“…Peer mentors have first-hand experience in AT use, meaning they can empathise with new AT users and work with them to realise their potential [24]. Peer mentoring is provided and advocated for in a range of developed and less-developed countries [24,[48][49][50], but AT users in developed countries report informally networking with peers to seek information and share strategies regarding devices and AT service delivery systems [34,35].…”