Powered wheelchairs and scooters for outdoor mobility: a pilot study on costs and benefits.

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the effect of electric powered wheelchairs/scooters (PWC/S) on occupational performance, social participation, health and life satisfaction. In addition, this study estimates the costs and benefits of PWC/S and describes users' experiences with the delivery process.

METHODS

This prospective study has a before-and-after design. Postal questionnaires were sent to 24 first-time PWC/S users before delivery of the PWC/S and 4 months after delivery. The participants used their PWC/S for outdoor mobility.

RESULTS

PWC/S improved the users' daily lives, their ability to engage in mobility-related activities and their social participation. For a majority of the users, estimated independence, feelings of safety and self-esteem increased although overall health and life satisfaction were not significantly affected. All users thought that the therapist had considered their needs during the providing process. Most participants (73%) were satisfied with their device at follow-up. For the 12 users who reported no change in health status between measures, the mean societal savings based on calculated costs for assistance was €6227 per person per year.

CONCLUSIONS

PWC/S seems to improve occupational performance, social participation and life satisfaction for users. Moreover, these improvements seem to have an economic advantage for both users and society.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

The use of a PWC/S has been shown to positively affect a person's independence in daily activities which in turn increases the sense of self-esteem and security. Facilitating mobility is cost-effective both from a societal as well as from anindividual perspective and should be a key intervention in rehabilitation.