Exploring Powered Wheelchair Users and Their Caregivers’ Perspectives on Potential Intelligent Power Wheelchair Use: A Qualitative Study

Dahlia Kairy, Paula W. Rushton, Philippe Archambault, Evelina Pituch, Caryne Torkia, Anas El Fathi, Paula Stone, François Routhier, Robert Forget, Louise Demers, Joelle Pineau and Richard Gourdeau
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Dahlia Kairy: School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
Paula W. Rushton: School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
Philippe Archambault: School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada
Evelina Pituch: School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
Caryne Torkia: School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada
Anas El Fathi: Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada
Paula Stone: Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), 4545 Chemin Queen Mary, Montréal, QC H3W 1W4, Canada
François Routhier: Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
Robert Forget: School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
Louise Demers: School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
Joelle Pineau: School of Computer Science, McGill University, 3480 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
Richard Gourdeau: Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada

IJERPH, 2014, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: Power wheelchairs (PWCs) can have a positive impact on user well-being, self-esteem, pain, activity and participation. Newly developed intelligent power wheelchairs (IPWs), allowing autonomous or collaboratively-controlled navigation, could enhance mobility of individuals not able to use, or having difficulty using, standard PWCs. The objective of this study was to explore the perspectives of PWC users (PWUs) and their caregivers regarding if and how IPWs could impact on current challenges faced by PWUs, as well as inform current development of IPWs. A qualitative exploratory study using individual interviews was conducted with PWUs (n = 12) and caregivers (n = 4). A semi-structured interview guide and video were used to facilitate informed discussion regarding IPWs. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) “challenging situations that may be overcome by an IPW” described how the IPW features of obstacle avoidance, path following, and target following could alleviate PWUs’ identified mobility difficulties; (2) “cautious optimism concerning IPW use revealed participants” addresses concerns regarding using an IPW as well as technological suggestions; (3) “defining the potential IPW user” revealed characteristics of PWUs that would benefit from IPW use. Findings indicate how IPW use may help overcome PWC difficulties and confirm the importance of user input in the ongoing development of IPWs.

Keywords: intelligent power wheelchair; mobility; obstacle-avoidance; path following; navigation; user-centered design; disability; safety (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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