Wheelchair user's perceived access to maintenance and repair services: a qualitative study

Wheelchairs and associated seating and positioning systems require maintenance and repair services to sustain essential functions for wheelchair users. This study aims to amplify wheelchair users' opinions and experiences related to their perceived access to crucial wheelchair maintenance and repair services.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with four full-time wheelchair users using five semi-structured interview questions. The collected data was analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Six interconnected themes were inductively, reflexively, and collaboratively constructed through critical discussions and mind-mapping techniques.

These themes are as follows: "improving accessibility and efficiency: service delivery," "access challenges: diversifying repair options and locations," "systemic challenges: the role of policy," "design, durability, and dependability: meeting the user's needs," "empowering accessibility: bridging the knowledge gap," and "The system Itself: a call for change."

Our findings suggest that wheelchair users prioritize not only the revision of existing barriers to access but also the implementation of preventative measures to minimize repair needs. Stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate to critically analyze existing wheelchair service delivery processes and associated policies. Practical implications include adjusting current policies, establishing best practice guidelines, and enacting preventative measures to facilitate improved user access to maintenance and repair services and optimize related outcomes.