The impact of a power mobility device on occupational participation and quality of life for people with chronic diseases: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction The aim was to explore occupational participation and quality of life (QoL) for power mobility device users with chronic disease. Methods Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping reviews was used. Six data bases were searched using keywords: wheelchair, scooter, QoL and participation. Data were extracted with coding and thematic analysis performed. Results Forty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. An overarching theme of enhanced QoL was identified with subthemes of (i) independence, (ii) enabling participation in instrumental activities of daily living, (iii) enhanced social participation and leisure, (iv) environmental barriers to occupational participation, (vi) power mobility device (PMD) performance concerns impacting occupational participation and (vii) overcoming risk of harm through PMD training. Conclusion The scoping review identified a heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, which makes comparison between studies difficult. For people with chronic diseases, PMDs improve independence in occupational participation, particularly in IADL, social participation and leisure. Unfortunately, improved QoL was often inferred, without the use of an outcome measure. Areas which impacted occupational participation for PMD users were environmental barriers and a lack of PMD training. Further research is needed to understand the impact of a PMD on QoL and occupational participation for those with chronic disease.

Exploring the use of powered mobility devices and occupational participation for people with obesity

“…Indeed, Pritchard (2014) argued that spaces can become enabling for different body sizes through engagement with universal design and provision of equal access in the built environment. Physical environmental barriers are not exclusive to the obese population with Kemmis et al (2021) identifying how physical barriers can impact occupational participation for those in the chronic disease population.…”

“…A review of the chronic disease literature identified that there is a strong link between enhanced mobility through the use of a PMD and enhanced occupational participation (Kemmis et al, 2021). Sund and Brandt (2018) reported that satisfaction with a PMD and frequency of use is high for general users.…”