Development of a wheelchair skills home program for older adults using a participatory action design approach

Edward M Giesbrecht, William C Miller, Ian M Mitchell, Roberta L Woodgate, Edward M Giesbrecht, William C Miller, Ian M Mitchell, Roberta L Woodgate

Abstract

Restricted mobility is the most common impairment among older adults and a manual wheelchair is often prescribed to address these limitations. However, limited access to rehabilitation services results in older adults typically receiving little or no mobility training when they receive a wheelchair. As an alternative and novel approach, we developed a therapist-monitored wheelchair skills home training program delivered via a computer tablet. To optimize efficacy and adherence, principles of self-efficacy and adult learning theory were foundational in the program design. A participatory action design approach was used to engage older adult wheelchair users, care providers, and prescribing clinicians in an iterative design and development process. A series of prototypes were fabricated and revised, based on feedback from eight stakeholder focus groups, until a final version was ready for evaluation in a clinical trial. Stakeholder contributions affirmed and enhanced the foundational theoretical principles and provided validation of the final product for the target population.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Phased study design.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Tablet mounting platform for wheelchair use.
Figure 3
Figure 3
EPIC Wheels home screen and sample submenu.

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