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

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:172434. doi: 10.1155/2014/172434. Epub 2014 Sep 4.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Pilot Projects
  • Software*
  • User-Computer Interface
  • Wheelchairs*