1
|
Borgnis F, Desideri L, Converti RM, Salatino C. Available Assistive Technology Outcome Measures: Systematic Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 10:e51124. [PMID: 37782310 PMCID: PMC10687703 DOI: 10.2196/51124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization claimed that measuring outcomes is necessary to understand the benefits of assistive technology (AT) and create evidence-based policies and systems to ensure universal access to it. In clinical practice, there is an increasing need for standardized methods to track AT interventions using outcome assessments. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the available outcome measures that can be used at the follow-up stage of any AT intervention and integrated into daily clinical or service practice. METHODS We systematically searched for original manuscripts regarding available and used AT outcome measures by searching for titles and abstracts in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to March 2023. RESULTS We analyzed 955 articles, of which 50 (5.2%) were included in the review. Within these, 53 instruments have been mentioned and used to provide an AT outcome assessment. The most widely used tool is the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, followed by the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Technology Scale. Moreover, the identified measures addressed 8 AT outcome domains: functional efficacy, satisfaction, psychosocial impact, caregiver burden, quality of life, participation, confidence, and usability. The AT category Assistive products for activities and participation relating to personal mobility and transportation was the most involved in the reviewed articles. CONCLUSIONS Among the 53 cited instruments, only 17 (32%) scales were designed to evaluate specifically assistive devices. Moreover, 64% (34/53) of the instruments were only mentioned once to denote poor uniformity and concordance in the instruments to be used, limiting the possibility of comparing the results of studies. This work could represent a good guide for promoting the use of validated AT outcome measures in clinical practice that can be helpful to AT assessment teams in their everyday activities and the improvement of clinical practice.
Collapse
|
2
|
Lettre J, Routhier F, Giesbrecht EM, Choukou MA, Miller WC, Archambault PS. Clinical stakeholders' perspective for the integration of an immersive wheelchair simulator as a clinical tool for powered wheelchair training. Assist Technol 2023; 35:497-505. [PMID: 36701417 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2022.2161669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate clinical stakeholders' acceptance of an immersive wheelchair simulator as a potential powered wheelchair skills training tool. Focus groups, conducted in four rehabilitation centers, were used to obtain a rich understanding of participants' experiences and beliefs. Then, a cross-sectional survey of the simulator acceptability for clinical practice was created. Twenty-three rehabilitation therapists and clinical program directors participated in the focus groups and thirty-three responded to the survey. Participants generally expressed that use of the simulator would be complementary to training in an actual powered wheelchair, and that it could be useful for challenging situations in rehabilitation centers (e.g. anxious clients; when there is uncertainty around their potential to drive a powered wheelchair; tasks that cannot be assessed in a real-life environment). They also provided suggestions to improve the simulator (e.g. more feedback during tasks; possibility of adjusting control settings such as speed and sensitivity; possibility of adding varied control interfaces). Feedback received from key stakeholders clearly indicated that the wheelchair simulator would be complementary to training provided in a real context of use. However, some important limitations must be addressed to improve the simulator and promote its adoption by clinical programs, therapists and clients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josiane Lettre
- Center for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation and social integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - François Routhier
- Center for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation and social integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Edward M Giesbrecht
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - William C Miller
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Research Program and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Philippe S Archambault
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation of the greater Montreal, Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval, Laval, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Andryk LM, Knight BT, Graf AR, Middleton AH, Grindel SI. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in upper extremity ambulators: a matched-cohort analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2023:S1058-2746(23)00290-2. [PMID: 37001794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper extremity ambulators (UEAs) who require prolonged use of assistive devices for mobility have a high incidence of shoulder pathology secondary to increased stress across the shoulder joint with upper extremity weight-bearing. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for rotator cuff arthropathy has historically been associated with increased complications in UEA, but more recent studies have shown more promising outcomes. The objective of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and complication rates between these 2 groups to define the relative risk of RSA in the UEA population and identify opportunities to improve treatment outcomes. METHODS An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review was performed in patients who underwent RSA at our institution by the senior author from 2004 to 2019. UEAs were defined as patients who used regular upper extremity assistive devices for community ambulation before initial consultation for the surgical extremity. Pre- and postoperative range of motion, visual analog scale scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Constant-Murley scores, and Simple Shoulder Test scores were measured at defined intervals. Complications including infection, instability, and need for revision surgery were also compared. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS A total of 159 RSA procedures (70 UEAs, 89 controls) were performed during the study period. On average, UEA patients had more preoperative pain and less shoulder function than controls, with statistically significant differences in visual analog scores (6.897 vs. 5.532, P = .0010) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (33.50 vs. 40.20, P = .0290), respectively. Despite the lower baseline values, UEA patients experienced excellent postoperative improvement, leading to similar postoperative pain and shoulder function except for a lower average forward flexion in the UEA group (127° vs. 135°, P = .0354). Notching and complication rates were also similar between the 2 groups, with notching rates of 59% and 50% and complication rates of 14.3% and 13.5% in the UEA and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS RSA in the UEA population can achieve similar pain and functional outcomes as compared with age-matched controls without a significant increase in complication rates; however, further studies are required to assess long-term comparative outcomes in this challenging patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logan M Andryk
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Benjamin T Knight
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alexander R Graf
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Austin H Middleton
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Steven I Grindel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alsaedi YE, Almalki AA, Alqurashi RD, Altwairqi RS, Almalki DM, Alshehri KM, Alamri AA, Alswat KA. Assessment of Type II Diabetes Patients' Caregivers' Burnout Level: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2022; 15:1091-1099. [PMID: 35422646 PMCID: PMC9005227 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s357340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus type II (T2D) is a chronic condition that requires significant change in the family behavior and is associated with psychosocial conflicts for both patients and their family environment. The aim of this study is to assess burnout among relatives caring for patients with T2D. METHODS This cross-sectional study with random sampling was conducted on 501 caregivers of patients with T2D between April and September 2021 at Prince Mansour armed forces hospital in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Data collection tool was a modified version of the caregiver stress self-assessment questionnaire. Data analysis was then carried out using t-test and chi-square test (SPSS v20). RESULTS The mean patient age was 64.4+12.0 years, female predominant with longstanding T2D. Metformin was the most prescribed T2D medication. The caregivers' mean age was 34.9+12.4 years, male predominant, and around 45% of them report low level of education and income; 63.9% of the caregivers report little to no stress. Compared with caregivers with mild/moderate stress and moderate/severe stress, caregivers with little to no stress were more likely to be younger in age (P <0.001), male (P = 0.464), single (P = 0.035), patient's offspring (P = 0.490), caring for T2D patients with younger age (P = 0.058) and shorter T2D duration (P = 0.074), patients who were less likely to use a wheelchair (P = 0.008), patients who were less likely to be prescribed a complex insulin regimen and with better glycemic control parameters (both P >0.05), and patients with higher HDL level (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION There were no correlations between the caregivers' levels of stress and the T2D patients' HbA1c levels. There was a significant positive correlation between a caregiver's stress score and the caregiver's age. Future studies are needed to assess other caregivers' parameters and their relation to metabolic control of T2D patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousef E Alsaedi
- Public Health Department, Madinah Health Cluster, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Yousef E Alsaedi, Public Health Department, Madinah Health Cluster, P.O. Box 8592, Madinah, 42391, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966597181795, Email
| | | | | | - Rami S Altwairqi
- Diabetes and Endocrine Specialist Center, Prince Mansour Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daifallah M Almalki
- Diabetes and Endocrine Specialist Center, Prince Mansour Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M Alshehri
- Diabetes and Endocrine Specialist Center, Prince Mansour Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A Alamri
- Endocrinology Department, Alhada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled A Alswat
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Best K, Smith E, Pellichero A, Sorita E, Archambault P, Kenyon L, Lamontagne ME, Lemelin B, Kirby RL, Routhier F. International research priorities on the role of cognition in power mobility device use: In pursuit of informed clinical practices and knowledge translation. Assist Technol 2021; 35:119-126. [PMID: 34293271 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2021.1956638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognition is an important factor affecting power mobility device (PMD) use. However, a gap in knowledge on the role of cognition in PMD use limits evidence of best practices for screening, assessment, and training. The overall goal of this research activity was to identify strategic research priorities to delineate the next steps in research. Following the Collaborative Prioritized Planning Process (CP3), a 1.5-day meeting was held with an interdisciplinary and international team of assistive technology users, clinicians, service providers, and researchers with expertise in PMD use and cognition. Our four-stage process included: knowledge synthesis; identification and prioritization of challenges; identification, consolidation, and prioritization of solutions; and action planning. Five of 14 challenges for research on cognition and PMD use were prioritized, and five solutions (of the 100 generated) perceived to be the most impactful were selected as the focus for the remainder of the meeting. The resulting prioritized solutions included, improving knowledge translation of existing and new evidence, profiling and addressing individualized needs, creating and evaluating training tools, development of practice guidelines, and validating and developing evaluation tools or toolkit. Preliminary action planning facilitated discussion of potential future projects, initiated new research collaborations and partnerships, and provided a foundation to build a program of research for investigating the role of cognition in PMD use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista Best
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emma Smith
- Assisted Living and Learning (ALL) Institute, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Alice Pellichero
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Sorita
- Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Archambault
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lisa Kenyon
- Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Marie-Eve Lamontagne
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruno Lemelin
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - R Lee Kirby
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Francois Routhier
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Greenhalgh M, Blaauw E, Deepak N, St Laurent COLM, Cooper R, Bendixen R, Koontz AM, Cooper RA. Usability and task load comparison between a robotic assisted transfer device and a mechanical floor lift during caregiver assisted transfers on a care recipient. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2020; 17:833-839. [PMID: 32988254 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1818137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The RATD represents a novel methodology to reduce strain, manoeuvring, and cognitive load a caregiver experiences when conducting transfers on a mannequin. However, caregivers who used this new technology report suggested adjustments regarding the robot's human machine interface and shape as to improve transfer efficiency and comfort for care recipients. The purpose of this study was to test a redesigned RATD and compare its ergonomics during a transfer to those of a mechanical floor lift. METHODS This was cross sectional protocol. As opposed to prior research which used a mannequin, caregivers in this study (N = 28) partnered with, and transferred, a mobility device user (N = 28) at three unique surfaces. Information about task demand and usability was collected from surveys after use of each device at each surface. RESULTS Results indicated reduced physical demand (p = .004) and discomfort frequency (p = .01) in caregivers conducting the transfers with the RATD compared to the mechanical floor lift. Care recipients reported no significant differences between both transfer devices. Critiques with the interface, the harness and sling, and the robot's rigidity indicated more work is needed before introducing this technology to a larger market. Conclusions: The RATD represents a promising new intervention for transferring and handling care recipients who use wheelchairs. However, while caregivers report reduced physical demand and discomfort, more work is required to advance the ease of the human machine interface, the amount of space allowed for the robot to operate, and the ability of the care recipient to operate the technology independently.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONCaregivers report significant physical and mental stress while transferring clients in and out of a wheelchair.Clinical standard transfer equipment is limited in the space which it can be used.Robots, particularly those portable and powered, have the ability to not only make the transfer experience safer, but also expand the applications this equipment can provide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Greenhalgh
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, US Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eline Blaauw
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, US Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nikitha Deepak
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, US Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - C O L Matthew St Laurent
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda Naval Station, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda Naval Station, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rosemarie Cooper
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, US Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Center of Assistive Technology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Roxanna Bendixen
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alicia M Koontz
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, US Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rory A Cooper
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, US Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Center of Assistive Technology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xi X, Lu Q, Lu M, Xu A, Hu H, Ung COL. Evaluation of the association between presenteeism and perceived availability of social support among hospital doctors in Zhejiang, China. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:609. [PMID: 32616033 PMCID: PMC7331165 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05438-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the association between presenteeism and the perceived availability of social support among hospital doctors in China. Methods A questionnaire was administered by doctors randomly selected from 13 hospital in Hangzhou China using stratified sampling. Logit model was used for data analysis. Results The overall response rate was 88.16%. Among hospital doctors, for each unit increase of the perceived availability of social support, the prevalence of presenteeism was decreased by 8.3% (OR = 0.91, P = 0.000). In particular, if the doctors perceived availability of appraisal support, belonging support and tangible support as sufficient, the act of presenteeism was reduced by 20.2% (OR = 0.806, P = 0.000) 20.4% (OR = 0.803, P = 0.000) and 21.0% (OR = 0.799, P = 0.000) respectively with statistical differences. Conclusion In China, appraisal support, belonging support and tangible support, compared to other social support, had a stronger negative correlation with presenteeism among hospital doctors. The benefits of social support in alleviating doctors’ presenteeism warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xi
- The Research Center of National Drug Policy& Ecosystem, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianni Lu
- The Research Center of National Drug Policy& Ecosystem, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengqing Lu
- The Research Center of National Drug Policy& Ecosystem, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ailin Xu
- The Research Center of National Drug Policy& Ecosystem, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Labbé D, Rushton PW, Mortenson WB, Demers L, Miller WC. Longitudinal Outcomes Among Family Caregivers of Power Mobility Users. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 100:656-662. [PMID: 30914119 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.08.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the change over 1 year in the burden, wheelchair skills, social support, social participation, and mental health of family caregivers providing assistance to older adult powered wheelchair users. DESIGN Longitudinal study. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Participants (N=35) included family caregivers (mean age ± SD=63.7±10.2y) who provided at least 2 hours of general care per week for a powered wheelchair user. INTERVENTION Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Power Mobility Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure (frequency of care and subjective burden), the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire for caregivers (wheelchair skills), the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-6 (social support), the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (social participation), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (mental health). Measures were taken at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a linear mixed model was used to assess changes over time in the outcomes. RESULTS The results showed that the caregivers helped on average with 3 powered wheelchair-related activities and 10 other caregiving activities. They also experienced moderate subjective burden and social participation and were within the normal range for depression and anxiety. Moreover, those outcomes remained stable over the 1-year study period. However, the wheelchair skills scores showed significant changes over time, as the scores improved during the first 6 months of the study. CONCLUSION Given that previous research indicated that subjective burden tends to decline over time among caregivers, the findings of stability in this study may reflect increasing needs among this population of caregivers, who may benefit from additional support and interventions. This would need further consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Labbé
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Paula W Rushton
- School of Rehabilitation, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; CHU St-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - W Ben Mortenson
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Louise Demers
- School of Rehabilitation, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kirby RL, Rushton PW, Routhier F, Demers L, Titus L, Miller-Polgar J, Smith C, McAllister M, Theriault C, Matheson K, Parker K, Sawatzky B, Labbé D, Miller WC. Extent to Which Caregivers Enhance the Wheelchair Skills Capacity and Confidence of Power Wheelchair Users: A Cross-Sectional Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 99:1295-1302.e9. [PMID: 29305847 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that caregivers enhance the wheelchair skills capacity and confidence of the power wheelchair users to whom they provide assistance, and to describe the nature of that assistance. DESIGN Multicenter cross-sectional study. SETTING Rehabilitation centers and communities. PARTICIPANTS Participants (N=152) included caregivers (n=76) and wheelchair users (n=76). INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Version 4.3 of the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) and the Wheelchair Skills Test-Questionnaire (WST-Q). For each of the 30 individual skills, we recorded data about the wheelchair user alone and in combination (blended) with the caregiver. RESULTS The mean total WST capacity scores ± SD for the wheelchair users alone and blended were 78.1%±9.3% and 92.4%±6.1%, respectively, with a mean difference of 14.3%±8.7% (P<.0001). The mean WST-Q capacity scores ± SD were 77.0%±10.6% and 93.2%±6.4%, respectively, with a mean difference of 16.3%±9.8% (P<.0001). The mean WST-Q confidence scores ± SD were 75.5%±12.7% and 92.8%±6.8%, respectively, with a mean difference of 17.5%±11.7% (P<.0001). The mean differences corresponded to relative improvements of 18.3%, 21.0%, and 22.9%, respectively. The nature and benefits of the caregivers' assistance could be summarized in 7 themes (eg, caregiver provides verbal support [cueing, coaching, reporting about the environment]). CONCLUSIONS Caregivers significantly enhance the wheelchair skills capacity and confidence of the power wheelchair users to whom they provide assistance, and they do so in a variety of ways. These findings have significance for wheelchair skills assessment and training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Lee Kirby
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Paula W Rushton
- School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Francois Routhier
- Department of Rehabilitation, Laval University Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Louise Demers
- School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Titus
- School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jan Miller-Polgar
- School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cher Smith
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mike McAllister
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Chris Theriault
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kara Matheson
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kim Parker
- Assistive Technology Program, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Bonita Sawatzky
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Delphine Labbé
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|