National structures in the delivery of rehabilitation technology services

Participation in the Prescription Process of Mobility Devices: Experiences among Older Patients

The aim of this study was to explore older patients' experiences of participation in the prescription process of mobility devices.

The study was conducted in two Swedish municipalities and was a qualitative study, based on the focus group interview methodology of Merton et al (1990). In order to recruit a sample fulfilling both homogeneity and heterogeneity criteria, occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the municipalities identified potential participants, all aged 65 years or older. Twenty-two patients participated in focus group interviews. Each patient participated once in the seven focus group interviews that were arranged.

The participants reported passive participation in the prescription process of mobility devices as the most frequently occurring experience. They also reported non-participation, for example, in discussion about alternative solutions to activity problems.

The study concluded that it was necessary to develop a more client-centred approach in community-based rehabilitation, challenging occupational therapists and physiotherapists to encourage patient participation in the prescription process of mobility devices. The study also highlighted the importance of inviting the patient to discuss alternative solutions to activity problems.