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Stakeholder perspectives of pediatric powered wheelchair standing devices: a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Kenyon Lisa K,
Harrison Kelsey L,
Huettner Megan K,
Johnson Sarah B,
Miller William C
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.14842
Subject(s) - wheelchair , psychology , cerebral palsy , cinahl , applied psychology , nonprobability sampling , qualitative research , spina bifida , developmental psychology , physical therapy , medicine , psychological intervention , computer science , psychiatry , pediatrics , world wide web , population , social science , environmental health , sociology
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.