Abstract
A Cross-Sectional Survey Investigating Wheelchair Skills Training in Ireland: Appropriate Wheelchairs, a Global Challenge
Technology and Disability, Vol.31(Supplement 1), pp.S27-S27
International Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE):Global Challenges in Assistive Technology Research, Policy & Practice, 15th (Bologna, Italy, 27-Aug-2019–30-Aug-2019)
2019
PMID: 34788172
Abstract
Background: Wheelchair skills training is a vital aspect of wheelchair service delivery, yet they are arguably overlooked in many contexts. Training can contribute to the prevention of pressure injuries and fall-related injuries, empowering users and improving health and wellbeing. The practice of wheelchair skills training provided to wheelchair users by Irish clinicians is highly variable. This paper presents the results of a study exploring wheelchair skills training practice among Irish clinicians.
Method: A cross sectional survey was conducted using SurveyMonkeyTM. Invitations were sent to associations and special interest groups known to employ professionals involved in wheelchair service delivery (e.g. Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Rehabilitation Engineers). Questions related to wheelchair skills trainings offered to wheelchair service users, wheelchair skills components included and nature of clinician’s education and training to provide training in wheelchair skills. 147 respondents opened the survey and 91 responses were received from occupational therapists and one rehabilitation engineer. Quantitative data were combined, and summary statistics were carried out, when appropriate, using SPSS Statistics (i.e. frequencies, proportions, and cross-tabulations). Qualitative responses were inputted into an Excel spreadsheet and a content analysis was carried out.
Key results: Consensus among respondents was that training is often provided to new users (n = 91, 89%), however, it is limited to mostly instruction in transfers and simple mobility techniques. Clinicians reported that advanced mobility skills were sometimes or never taught (n = 81, 72%). Clinician’s confidence instructing various skills corresponded with the frequency of instruction. Clinicians reported that they would like to see standardized training programs established in self-maintenance and advanced wheelchair skills.
Conclusion: The results indicate a need to further develop wheelchair skills training delivered by occupational therapists and others. Formalized education and training to improve Irish clinicians’ knowledge and confidence to provide more advanced wheelchair training is needed. More streamlined wheelchair skills programmes would teach users about safer wheelchair use, while enhancing health and wellbeing and greater occupational participation.
Details
- Title
- A Cross-Sectional Survey Investigating Wheelchair Skills Training in Ireland: Appropriate Wheelchairs, a Global Challenge
- Authors
- Kimberly Mathis (Author) - University of LimerickRosie J Gowran (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Contributors
- Lorenzo Desideri (Editor)Luc de Witte (Editor)Rabih Chattat (Editor)Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf (Editor)
- Publication details
- Technology and Disability, Vol.31(Supplement 1), pp.S27-S27
- Conference details
- International Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE):Global Challenges in Assistive Technology Research, Policy & Practice, 15th (Bologna, Italy, 27-Aug-2019–30-Aug-2019)
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Inc.
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.3233/TAD-190004
- ISSN
- 1055-4181; 1055-4181
- PMID
- 34788172
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99513786202621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Rehabilitation
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Source: InCites