Exploring the perceptions of using a manual wheelchair in clients with spinal cord injury

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate, from a client centred perspective, how individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) perceive their manual wheelchair (MW), its usage, and the service offered by Occupational Therapists (OTs). Furthermore, this research study intended to analyse the general opinion of individuals with SCI with respect to their performance in occupations. A qualitative methodology was employed to gather an in-depth understanding of spinal cord injured (SCInjured) individuals with MWs. This was done through the use of a semi structured interview and a demographic questionnaire. The theoretical foundation utilised for this study was the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (OTPF). An opt-in technique was used to enlist the participants. The preferred method for choosing the participants was purposeful sampling with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants had to fill out a 13-question demographic questionnaire before partaking in a semi-structured interview which was composed of nine open-ended questions. Six major themes were identified when the interviews were completed using thematic analysis. Findings from this study revealed that the participants were satisfied with the MWs’ characteristics and found it suitable for their needs. Since the home environment was tailored to their needs, the MW enabled the participants to engage in the majority of their daily activities, in accordance to their physical capabilities. Most obstacles encountered when using the MW came from participation within the physical environment in the Maltese community. Finally, the majority of participants expressed satisfaction with both the wheelchair procedure and the Occupational Therapy (OT) service in Malta.