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Stakeholder perspectives of pediatric powered wheelchair standing devices: a qualitative study
Lisa K Kenyon1, Kelsey L Harrison1, Megan K Huettner1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Insights
Powered wheelchair standing devices (PWSDs) enable children to stand on demand, offering psychological and physical benefits. Stakeholder perspectives reveal factors influencing PWSD acquisition and use, suggesting broad applicability.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Pediatric Assistive Technology
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Powered wheelchair standing devices (PWSDs) offer unique mobility and functional capabilities for children with disabilities.
- Understanding stakeholder experiences is crucial for optimizing the use and accessibility of PWSDs.
- Existing research may not fully capture the multifaceted benefits and influencing factors of PWSDs in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and describe the experiences and perspectives of diverse stakeholders concerning the use of powered wheelchair standing devices (PWSDs) in children.
- To identify perceived benefits, challenges, and influencing factors related to PWSD acquisition and utilization.
- To inform future development, prescription, and support strategies for pediatric PWSD users.
Main Methods:
- A purposive sample included children (6-18 years) using PWSDs, their parents, rehabilitation professionals, and PWSD manufacturing professionals.
- Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, conducted either in person or via Zoom.
- Qualitative data were analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify emerging themes.
Main Results:
- The theme 'Stand-on-demand' highlighted participants' perception of PWSDs enabling children to stand spontaneously, thereby increasing participation.
- The theme 'It's more than weight-bearing' revealed perceived psychological and physical benefits beyond mere weight-bearing.
- The theme 'Ecosystems influencing PWSD acquisition and use' identified child- and non-child-related factors impacting procurement and ongoing use.
Conclusions:
- PWSDs provide a unique ability for children to stand at will, fostering increased participation and perceived well-being.
- Findings suggest potential transdiagnostic applications for PWSDs, benefiting a wide range of pediatric conditions.
- A comprehensive understanding of the influencing factors is essential for successful PWSD adoption and sustained use.
Aim:
To explore and describe the experiences and perspectives of various stakeholders regarding the use of powered wheelchair standing devices (PWSDs).
Method:
The purposive sample included: children aged 6 to 18 years who used a PWSD (n=8; diagnoses: cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury), parents of children 18 years of age or younger who used a PWSD (n=12), rehabilitation professionals working with children who used a PWSD (n=12), and professionals working at companies manufacturing PWSDs (n=3). Data were gathered via face-to-face interviews conducted either in person or via Zoom® and analyzed using the constant comparative method.
Results:
Three main themes emerged in the data: (1) 'Stand-on-demand' revealed how participants perceived PWSDs as allowing children to stand whenever and wherever they wanted, thereby increasing participation; (2) 'It's more than weight-bearing' uncovered participants' perceptions of psychological and physical benefits from PWSD use; and (3) 'Ecosystems influencing PWSD acquisition and use' revealed child- and non-child-related factors perceived as influencing children's procurement and use of a PWSD.
Interpretation:
Use of a PWSD was perceived as providing a unique opportunity for children to stand whenever and wherever they desired. Findings suggest the possible transdiagnostic application of PWSDs. What this paper adds The ability to stand when desired was unique to powered wheelchair standing device (PWSD) use. Participants perceived numerous psychological and physical benefits from PWSD use. Child- and non-child-related factors influenced procurement and use of a PWSD.
