Article

There is limited information on the difficulties individuals experience
in manoeuvring their power wheelchairs during daily activities. The aim of this
study was to describe the nature and context of power wheelchair driving
challenges from the perspective of the user. METHODS:
A qualitative design using
semi-structured interviews with power wheelchair users. Qualitative content
analysis was used to identify themes. RESULTS: Twelve experienced power
wheelchair users were interviewed. Findings revealed that power wheelchair
driving difficulties were related to the accomplishment of activities of daily
living, and the influence of environmental context. Four key themes emerged: (1)
difficulties accessing and using public buildings-facilities, (2) outdoor
mobility, (3) problems in performing specific wheelchair mobility
tasks/manoeuvres and (4) barriers and circumstances that are temporary,
unforeseen or specific to a particular context. CONCLUSION: This qualitative
study furthers our understanding of the driving difficulties powered wheelchair
(PW) users experience during daily activities. This knowledge will assist
clinicians and researchers in two areas: in choosing assessment measures that are
ecologically valid for power wheelchair users; and, in identifying and refining
the content of training programs specific to the use of power wheelchairs.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A better understanding of the everyday
challenges individuals experience in driving their power wheelchair will assist
clinicians and researchers in: Choosing assessment measures and identifying
training programs for this population. Refining the content of power wheelchair training programs.

Langue : ANGLAIS