title: Powered wheelchairs and scooters for outdoor mobility: a pilot study on costs and benefits.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluates the effect of electric powered wheelchairs/scooters (PWC/S) on occupational performance, social participation, health and life satisfaction. In addition, this study estimates the costs and benefits of PWC/S and describes users' experiences with the delivery process.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study has a before-and-after design. Postal questionnaires were sent to 24 first-time PWC/S users before delivery of the PWC/S and 4 months after delivery. The participants used their PWC/S for outdoor mobility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PWC/S improved the users' daily lives, their ability to engage in mobility-related activities and their social participation. For a majority of the users, estimated independence, feelings of safety and self-esteem increased although overall health and life satisfaction were not significantly affected. All users thought that the therapist had considered their needs during the providing process. Most participants (73%) were satisfied with their device at follow-up. For the 12 users who reported no change in health status between measures, the mean societal savings based on calculated costs for assistance was €6227 per person per year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PWC/S seems to improve occupational performance, social participation and life satisfaction for users. Moreover, these improvements seem to have an economic advantage for both users and society.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a PWC/S has been shown to positively affect a person's independence in daily activities which in turn increases the sense of self-esteem and security. Facilitating mobility is cost-effective both from a societal as well as from anindividual perspective and should be a key intervention in rehabilitation.
authors: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden .
authors: Kersti
authors: K
authors: Samuelsson
authors: Ewa
authors: E
authors: Wressle
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Activity; independence; mobility; rehabilitation