Article

The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of children and young
people who use an Electric Powered Indoor /Outdoor wheelchair (EPIOC).
METHOD: To
allow for the individual lived experiences of the children to be explored, an
exploratory study was designed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
(IPA). Nine children aged 7-16 years were recruited and their views explored
through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Children appeared to be working to
achieve an adequate fit between self, the EPIOC and the environment. Where an
adequate fit was achieved the child experienced positive consequences of using an
EPIOC including increased participation and positive feelings. However an
inadequate fit led to negative experiences including reduced participation, fear
and anxiety. The changing interface between self, EPIOC and environment appeared
to be important in shaping these experiences. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to
understanding the ambiguous experience of being a child EPIOC user and the need
for ongoing support from services especially around stages of transition. It also
contributes to the development of the social model of disability from a child's
perspective. Implications for Rehabilitation Children who use Electric Powered
Indoor/Outdoor Chairs have both positive and negative experiences which are
dependent on the fit of the child, chair and the environment. Child EPIOC users
are active agents in shaping their experiences. Children who use an EPIOC maybe
particularly at risk of reduced participation, especially at times when their
environment changes significantly such as when leaving school or college.

Langue : ANGLAIS