Factors influencing the decision to abandon manual wheelchairs for three individuals with a spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to identify factors which influence individuals with a spinal cord injury to abandon their first wheelchair before five years of use. It aims to provide prescribing therapists and manufacturers with insights which may assist in facilitating better outcomes for wheelchair users, thereby reducing abandonment rates and containing replacement costs.


METHODS
A descriptive, qualitative design was used to gather the perceptions of three individuals with a spinal cord injury.


RESULTS
Thematic analysis yielded five themes: 'Participants' experience of the first prescription'; 'The physical issues with the wheelchair have functional implications'; 'Gaining experience is so important'; 'Participants' experience of the second prescription'; and 'Participants' suggestions'.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors influencing manual wheelchair abandonment for these participants were consistent with findings from the literature concerning dissatisfaction and abandonment of assistive technology. For these three individuals the lack of experience in wheelchair use and selection, the functional limitations encountered with the design of the wheelchair and the manner and timing of the prescription process combined to lead to dissatisfaction and ultimately abandonment. Suggestions for changes to wheelchair prescription practices were made.
Kittel
Alison
A
School of Occupational Therapy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Di
Marco Allie
MA
Stewart
Hugh
H
D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries; D014910:Wheelchairs