Therapist's influence on the design of Invacare's Flo-Tech Solution Xtra

The trend for inclusive design appears to becoming stronger, and an area that clinicians are urged to participate in. Combining clinical and technical expertise can often be a demanding challenge and this paper looks to show the results of how a modular postural cushion was designed and evaluated by Invacare Ltd. The Flo-Tech Solution Xtra modular system was conceived through joint collaboration between manufacturer and therapists following discussion and demand from NHS wheelchair services (WCS) in the UK. Concept, rationale and design of the cushion are discussed from a clinical perspective, which underpins the manufacturing process from conception through to the finished product. The seating system was designed to address the postural requirements primarily of the neurological population and consequently the cushion underwent clinical trial at the Royal Hospital of Neuro-Disability, Putney, London.

Seven subjects were identified as suitable for the evaluation by the postural team at Putney and three were trialed independently by Invacare Ltd. The main focus of this study was identifying and meeting the individual's therapeutic aims of posture and pressure through using the Solution Xtra. Even though the study size was small and the results subjective in nature, there was an overall favourable outcome of using the modular system as a seating intervention, and it was also rated highly by the clinicians involved.

A guide to evaluating different wheelchair seat cushions

Over the years, there has been a considerable increase in the number and variety of wheelchair seat cushions. People required to select a cushion are faced with a confusing and often misleading array of commercial literature. The cost of these products range from less than £100 to several hundred pounds, so the importance of a logical approach to their selection cannot be overstated. Inappropriate selection not only wastes capital resources, but it can also be very harmful to the patient.

Although the effectiveness of a wheelchair cushion is best evaluated through clinical trials, these are expensive to conduct and in the case of new products, such evidence is not readily available. In order to overcome this drawback, researchers have developed experimental methods of evaluation based upon existing knowledge of pressure ulcer aetiology. This article describes the most common methods, along with a new technique known as pressure relief index.