Satisfaction Related to Wheelchair Use in Older Adults in Both Nursing Homes and Community Dwelling
By Karmarkar, Amol M.; Collins, Diane M.; Kelleher, Annmarie; Cooper, Rory A.; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 337-343Publication Date: September 2009
Study analyzed satisfaction data collected from three groups of older individuals living at nursing homes and in community settings. Study participants, 132 older adults who were either independent manual or power wheelchair users, completed the standardized Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) Version 2.0. The QUEST allows the rating of the user’s device (wheelchair) as well as the service delivery. Of the participants, 60 were residents in Veterans Administration (VA) nursing homes, 30 resided in private nursing homes, and 42 were community dwellers. Participants in the private nursing home group were the oldest cohort, and the community dwelling group was the youngest. The community dwelling group reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction with their manual wheelchairs and service delivery when compared with the private nursing home participants. The satisfaction level was also higher for VA nursing home residents than for those living in private nursing homes. No significant differences were reported for satisfaction levels regarding the use of powered wheelchairs between the three groups. Based on study results, the authors conclude that level of satisfaction should be incorporated as an outcome measure for evaluating wheelchair prescriptions and service delivery programs; also recommended is the establishment of a re-evaluation process of wheelchair fit as the users age.
Assistive Products Discussed: QUEBEC USER EVALUATION OF SATISFACTION WITH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (QUEST 2.0)
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
