The purpose of this research was to find out how well wheelchairs meet the needs of clients attending a wheelchair clinic, and to assess client attitudes toward wheeled mobility technology. The modified Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment-Consumer Version (ATDPA-C) and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST version 2.0) were sent to each of 157 potential subjects, with 39 of them returning completed usable assessments. ATDPA-C results: the average score for the Capabilities, Life Satisfaction and Wheelchair Attitude sections were 2.8/5, 3.0/5, and 3.9/5 respectively. Scores of the Wheelchair Attitude section were significantly different from the other sections. Average scores of the QUEST Assistive Device and Services sections were 3.8/5 and 3.5/5, respectively. Results indicate that while the subjects considered their overall capabilities and life satisfaction to be slightly above average, they were most pleased with the benefits that wheelchair use brings to their quality of life.
wheelchair, outcomes, assistive technology, satisfaction
Robert H Fuchs, PT, MA, ATP
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Division of Physical Therapy Education
984420 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-4420
402-559-8172 (desk)
rfuchs@unmc.edu (e-mail)
402-559-8626 (fax)
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