Assistive technology provision: Matching the user with the right technology

When being confronted with a diagnose or condition affecting your independent mobility, the choice for a wheelchair seems to be an obvious way forward. The wheelchairs available on the market come with different types of functionality and design features. How do you select the right wheelchair for you or your patient?

Astudy* on 70 wheelchair users with spinal All questions that need to be thought of before deciding cord injury showed that these individuals on the type of wheelchair. perceive their wheelchair as their most These insights, in combination with the right common factor limiting participation, expectations from a product perspective is the followed by their physical impairment and physical foundation of a high quality wheelchair provision leading environment. It’s the to the best possible match wheelchair that confronts the between the user and the users with barriers, limits them suggested solution. to participate in activities and Permobil designs technology prevent them from doing what and products with the user in matters. This study underlines mind. User needs and functional the importance of a thorough solutions are the starting point assistive technology selection for product innovation. We process. are convinced that every user

A good wheelchair provision has the right to have access to process starts with an in-depth products to compensate for assessment of user needs. Where their disability. Those products is the wheelchair going to be should have the same technical used? What are the requirements standards as those we all use for the seated position? Are in our everyday lives. With this there additional needs to mission statement we ensure to improve postural stability? optimize user outcomes on a

It’s crucial to ensure a good functional, clinical and psychomatch between the suggested social level. ■ assistive technology and the person intended to use this Having access to the right *Chaves, E.S., Boninger, M.L., Cooper, R., technology. Having access to the mobility equipment can help Fitzgerald, S.G., Gray, D.B., Cooper, R.A. right mobility equipment can the individual to improve Assessing the influence of wheelchair help the individual to improve independence, participation and independence, participation technology on perception of participation in spinal cord injury. Arch quality of life. and quality of life Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1854-1858

The right solution should not only be an enabler for activities, it should also protect individuals from developing secondary complications associated with prolonged sitting. How high is the risk for the development of pressure injuries or contractures? What strategies will the individual use to prevent secondary complications? How can the asssistive Tel: 01484 722888 technology support the prevention? Is the person capable Email: customer_support_uk@permobil.com of implementing these strategies in an independent way? Web: www.permobil.com/en-gb