Wheelchair priorities of brain injury survivors and their caregivers: a cohort study.

Purpose: The wheelchair provision process can be a challenging experience for individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the wheelchair priorities of new wheelchair users, determine how self-efficacy and social support may influence their experiences, and describe changes in social participation during the transition from inpatient rehabilitation to home.

Materials and methods: Individuals with an acquired brain injury (n = 43) and their caregivers completed a structured interview before discharge; ∼50% were interviewed again at 4 months post-discharge (n = 21).

Results: Wheelchair features rated as most important before discharge included fit, safety, comfort, and effectiveness. At the 4-month follow-up, the same items remained important, but ease of use and durability also became more important. Analysis comparing importance and performance indicated the focus areas at 4 month follow up were fit, safety, and dimensions. The subjects rated their self-efficacy (34.2/40) and perceived social support (6.3/7) as very high. Social participation improved from discharge to follow-up; however, this sample of wheelchair users continued to experience decreased satisfaction with social roles and responsibilities four months after returning home.

Conclusion: For this sample of first-time wheelchair users, fit, safety, comfort, and dimensions were the most important components. This information can help guide clinicians as they prescribe wheelchairs for individuals with an acquired brain injury.