Article

PURPOSE: To explore the experience of pain and discomfort in users of
electric-powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs (EPIOCs) provided by a National Health Service. METHODS: EPIOC users receiving their chair between February and
November 2002 (N = 74) were invited to participate in a telephone
questionnaire/interview and 64 (aged 10-81 years) agreed. Both specific and
open-ended questions examined the presence of pain/discomfort, its severity,
minimizing and aggravating factors, particularly in relation to the EPIOC and its
use. RESULTS: Most EPIOC users described experiences of pain with 17% reporting
severe pain. Over half felt their pain was influenced by the wheelchair and few
(25%) considered their chair eased their symptoms. The most common strategy for
pain relief was taking medication. Other self-help strategies included changing
position, exercise and complementary therapies. Respondents emphasized the
provision of backrests, armrests, footrests and cushions which might alleviate or
exacerbate pain, highlighting the importance of appropriate assessment for this
high dependency group. CONCLUSIONS: Users related pain to their underlying
medical condition, their wheelchair or a combination of the two. User feedback is
essential to ensure that the EPIOC meets health needs with minimal pain. This
becomes more important as the health condition of users changes over time.

Langue : ANGLAIS