title: Consumer perspectives on the usability and value of the iBOT(®) wheelchair: findings from a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The iBOT(®) is an advanced power wheelchair introduced in 2003 for people with mobility impairments to enhance their independence and community access. Although this innovation soon gained popularity, the production of this wheelchair was recently stopped owing to the lower-than-expected sale figures. In this scenario, this study examines the impact of this wheelchair on current consumers by highlighting its usability in multiple contexts and verifying the value associated with its ownership.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven active consumers of the iBOT(®) were interviewed using a mixed method approach. Participants discussed and rated the iBOT's usability in relation to their standard power wheelchair and shared their perceived value for it. A content analysis was used to elucidate the qualitative data, whereas the quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric comparisons to compute differences in consumer ratings for the two wheelchairs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results, although statistically non-significant (α < 0.05), indicated the iBOT(®) to be a highly multi-functional wheelchair with relatively superior usability in workplace (p = 0.15), community (p = 0.18) and outdoors (p = 0.1). Participants greatly valued its capability to expand their mobility in otherwise inaccessible environments and to enhance their social participation through eye level communication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The iBOT(®) serves as an exemplar to promote interest and funding for advanced AT devices for people with disabilities. [Box: see text].
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA. sajay.arthanat@unh.edu
authors.forename: Sajay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arthanat
authors.forename: Joanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Desmarais
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eikelberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010465:Perception; D011594:Psychometrics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014910:Wheelchairs