Wheelchair Skills Education and Training for Children with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus and Their Parents: A Pilot Study

Rosemary Joan Gowran, Marion B. Collins, Joanne McGlanaghy, Ellen Shanahan and Yvonne Cleary
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Rosemary Joan Gowran: Discipline Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Health Research Institute, Health Implementation Science and Technology, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
Marion B. Collins: Discipline Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
Joanne McGlanaghy: Discipline Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
Ellen Shanahan: Discipline Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
Yvonne Cleary: School of English, Irish, and Communication, Technical Communication and Instructional Design, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland

Disabilities, 2022, vol. 2, issue 1, 1-23

Abstract: Background: Many children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus use manual wheelchairs. However, training to ensure appropriate wheelchair use is limited and informal, and this negatively impacts daily activity and participation. Evidence suggests formal training can increase children’s confidence and independence, with early intervention being critical for healthy development. In Ireland, like in many other regions internationally, such interventions are not readily available to families. Aim and objectives: The overall aim of the study was to pilot wheelchair skills training for children aged 3–8 years with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their parents, to develop a sustainable program. The objectives were: (1) to develop and evaluate a wheelchair skills information pack; (2) to investigate the impact of training on children’s performance of wheelchair skills; (3) to explore parents’ perspectives on how training influenced their children’s daily participation; (4) to identify beneficial aspects of program delivery for children and parents. Methods: We applied a mixed-methods study design that included three stages: (1) evaluation of the use of a bespoke wheelchair skills information pack; (2) within-subject pre-post analysis of the wheelchair skills test (WST) and individual training goals; (3) qualitative thematic analysis of Photovoice documentary narratives from focus groups with parents. Results: Four children and their parents participated in the study. Parents reported the wheelchair skills information pack to be useful, recommending more child-friendly images, and the provision of the pack when children first receive their wheelchairs. Analysis of the pre/post-WST showed an increase in the performance of skills. Parents’ perspectives and experiences are captured in two Photovoice themes: (1) children developing their skills, (2) supporting parents to support their children. Conclusion: The pilot program was a success for these families, highlighting potential gaps in Irish wheelchair provision services and the need for wheelchair skills education and training to support parents and children.

Keywords: wheelchair skills training program; wheelchair skills test (WST); wheelchair skills information pack; photovoice; spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus (SB and/or H) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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