Perspectives of inpatient rehabilitation clinicians on the state of manual wheelchair training: a qualitative analysis

Rusek, Carly T.; Kleven, Micki; Walker, Carla; Walker, Kenneth R.; Heeb, Rachel; Morgan, Kerri

doi:10.1080/17483107.2021.1993359

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…This is a somewhat higher ratio than a previous survey of 11 Canadian OT programs that found 7 included wheelchair skills training, 57% providing less than 5 hours of content [ 29 ]. A recent survey among OTs practicing in one Canadian province reported one third felt their professional education inadequately prepared them to provide training to clients and caregivers [ 31 ] while a qualitative study among rehabilitation clinicians in the American Midwest reported very limited education on such training was provided before entering practice [ 44 ]. Over 30% of wheelchair service providers in a global survey felt unprepared to deliver wheelchair skills training and 24% reported inadequate professional training as a barrier to offering this service component [ 39 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wheelchair service provision education in Canadian occupational therapy programs

2022

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Occupational therapists in Canada play a central role in wheelchair service provision. Inadequate entry-to-practice professional education has been identified as a major concern in the delivery of wheelchair related services. The goal of this study was to describe the current education provided in Canadian occupational therapy programs and to map this content against the recommended WHO 8-step wheelchair service provision process. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional online survey design. Educators were recruited from accredited occupational therapy programs in Canada. Participants completed a short sociodemographic questionnaire and a survey with 97 closed- and open-ended questions regarding the wheelchair service provision education provided in their curriculum. Survey data was then mapped according to the WHO 8-step wheelchair service provision process. Twenty-nine educators from all Canadian occupational therapy programs (n = 14) were enrolled. Most participants (55.2%) were full-time faculty members that had been teaching in occupational therapy programs for an average time of 10.9 years. All programs covered at least 4 of the WHO recommended steps, but only 5 programs covered all steps. Assessment and Prescription steps were covered in every program while the Referral & Appointment, Funding & Ordering, Fitting and User Training steps were covered in most programs. The pedagogic approach, the amount of time dedicated to wheelchair-related content, and the type of evaluation used varied greatly between programs. This study is the first to provide a detailed description of wheelchair service provision education across all Canadian occupational therapy programs according to the WHO 8 steps and provides a foundation for collaborative efforts to promote best practice in entry-to-practice professional education.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wheelchair service provision education in Canadian occupational therapy programs

2022

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“…Additionally, various electric wheelchairs have been developed using different technologies. These include the use of sensors, such as ultrasonic and infrared sensors, cameras, encoders, gyro accelerometers, and many other buttons, joysticks, and pressure pads to provide a simple and comfortable service (Jayakody et al, 2019;Rusek et al, 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Conventional and Smart Wheelchair Technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Bakouri,

Alanazi,

Alqarni

et al. 2024

Journal of Disability Research

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A significant number of people depend on the help of others to facilitate their mobility in wheelchairs. Physical disabilities hinder the mobility of persons with disabilities, making them unable to move around using conventional (manually operated) wheelchairs. Furthermore, people lack the ability to regain an upright posture if the chair falls. This study aims to evaluate conventional and smart wheelchair technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted through a quantitative and cross-sectional research methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of wheelchair technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is done by collecting data from wheelchair users, experts, and specialists in this field, such as medical engineers and others familiar with wheelchairs. The evaluation included the opinions of users and experts on the use of traditional and smart chairs in terms of the technologies used, ease of use, advantages, disadvantages, etc. More than 590 users and experts from all regions of the Kingdom participated in the study, and their answers were characterized by objectivity and realism. About 39% of participants indicated that smart wheelchairs are very effective, and 37.6% confirmed that these chairs can be used on many surfaces, while 23.4% expressed their appreciation that smart wheelchairs are useful for various purposes and terrains. On the other hand, the results showed that smart wheelchairs had high purchase and maintenance costs of 37.4%. This was followed by concerns about more maintenance requirements (23.5%), the need for constant charging (20.4%), and the need for users to be aware of energy use (18.7%). The results show some advantages of using traditional wheelchairs, such as low maintenance, lightweight, and often affordability. This type of chair faces many difficulties, such as crossing slopes and long distances, requiring some strength for use, and users needing assistance to move around. The study revealed significant progress in wheelchair technology, especially in smartphones and navigation. Evaluating existing wheelchair technology in Saudi Arabia has shown significant advances, especially in urban areas and healthcare institutions. Motorized electric wheelchairs are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to enhance users’ mobility. However, the availability of high-end wheelchair models and their accompanying accessories remains limited.

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A Remote-Learning Course can improve the subjective wheelchair-skills performance and confidence of wheelchair service providers: an observational cohort study

Kirby

Smith

Osmond

et al. 2023

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

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Perspectives of inpatient rehabilitation clinicians on the state of manual wheelchair training: a qualitative analysis

Cited by 5 publications

References 35 publications

Wheelchair service provision education in Canadian occupational therapy programs

Wheelchair service provision education in Canadian occupational therapy programs

Evaluation of Conventional and Smart Wheelchair Technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

A Remote-Learning Course can improve the subjective wheelchair-skills performance and confidence of wheelchair service providers: an observational cohort study

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