Article

Older and/or cognitively impaired patients require verbal guidance to
prevent accidents during wheelchair operation, thus increasing the burden on
caregivers. This study aimed to develop a new portable voice guidance device for
manual wheelchairs and examine its clinical usefulness.
METHOD: We developed a
portable voice guidance device to monitor the statuses of wheelchair brakes and
footrests and automatically provide voice guidance for operation. The device
comprises a microcomputer, four magnets and magnetic sensors, speaker and
battery. Device operation was assessed during the transfer from a wheelchair to
bed six times per day over three days for a total of 90 transfers in five stroke
patients (mean age: 79.6 years) who required verbal guidance to direct wheelchair
operation. Device usability was also assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The
device performed perfectly during all attempted transfers (100%). To ensure
safety, the assessor needed to add verbal guidance during 33 of 90 attempted
transfers (36.6%). Overall, the device usability was favourable. However, some
assessors were unsatisfied with the volume of the device voice, guidance timing
and burden reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our device could facilitate wheelchair
operation and might potentially be used to reduce fall risk in stroke patients
and the burden on caregivers. Implications for Rehabilitation The acquisition of
transfer independence is an important step in the rehabilitation of patients with
mobility issues. Many patients require supervision and guidance regarding the
operation of brakes and footrests on manual wheelchairs. This newly developed
voice guidance device for manual wheelchair transfers worked well in patients
with hemiplegia and might be helpful to reduce the fall risks and the burden of
care.

Langue : ANGLAIS