Article

An appropriate wheelchair cushion is integral to pressure ulcer (PU)
prevention for the wheelchair user with SCI. For users who find it difficult to
remember or perform weight shifts, an alternating pressure air cushion (APAC) may
off-load pressure to minimize
PU risk. APACs are considered mobility assistive
technology (AT). Effective AT delivery includes consideration of the AT consumer
as a unique individual.
The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive
Technology (QUEST) is a structured and standardized method to measure user
satisfaction with AT. METHOD: Twelve full time wheelchair users with SCI were
provided with an APAC six times for 2 weeks daily home use every 3 months. At the
completion of the 18-month study period, the 8-variable QUEST 2.0b questionnaire
was applied to evaluate satisfaction with APAC use. RESULTS: Users were generally
quite satisfied with APAC weight (p < 0.01 relative to neutral). Durability was
more likely to be an area of concern. Overall, 92% of participants considered
themselves quite satisfied or very satisfied with APAC use (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Users with SCI were satisfied with the overall performance of the
APAC tested after repeated periods of use. The majority of user's were very
satisfied with APAC comfort overall. Implications for Rehabilitation Abandonment
of AT may be reduced if user satisfaction is evaluated. The QUEST 2.0b is a
useful and valid measure of user satisfaction with alternating pressure air
cushions. In the current study cohort, users with SCI were satisfied with the
performance and comfort of the APAC tested after repeated periods of use.

Langue : ANGLAIS