Developing product quality standards for wheelchairs used in less-resourced environments.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Medical Device Standards
• Global Health Technology

Background:

• Premature wheelchair failures in less-resourced environments (LREs) are linked to inadequate product regulation and quality standards.
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) wheelchair tests may not apply to rugged LRE conditions.
• World Health Organization guidelines recommend enhanced wheelchair durability testing for LREs.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify essential additional tests for wheelchairs used in LREs.
• Address the shortcomings in current wheelchair testing standards for challenging environments.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature review on ISO test standard development, wheelchair testing studies, and LRE evaluations.
• Compiled and analyzed expert advice from the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) Standards Working Group.

Main Results:

• No LRE participation in ISO standards development was found.
• Wheelchair models in LREs frequently failed to meet minimum standards, showing multiple part failures.
• ISWP experts identified critical testing factors absent from current standards that contribute to premature wheelchair failures.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive suite of new tests is required for LRE wheelchairs.
• Specific tests needed include corrosion resistance, castor/wheel rolling resistance, and overall assembly durability.
• Developing these tests will improve wheelchair longevity and performance in demanding environments.