Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Jane Loscheider

Abstract

Purpose: The World Health Organization states there are more than 65 million wheelchair users worldwide, with the number expected to grow (Gilani, 2023). Many wheelchair users face challenges with not knowing how to properly maintain their equipment or develop the skills needed to navigate their environments (Boccardi et al., 2022; Morgan et al., 2015; Smith et al., 2016; Toro et al., 2017). This product aims to provide practitioners with accessible educational materials that address commonly encountered barriers, usable in the clinic setting or for patients and caregivers to access from a distance.

Methods: A needs assessment was conducted, which included a literature review, skilled observation of wheelchair evaluations, and fittings/ adjustments interventions at an outpatient clinic in the Midwest, and informal interviews with practitioners working with wheelchairs. The Ecology of Human Performance was used as a theoretical guide to better understand the relationship among the person, context, and task, including wheelchair maintenance and mobility (Dunn, 2017).

Results: A product containing 13 Videos and 14 Handouts was created to support practitioners working in wheelchair seating and mobility in providing materials to support education on wheelchair maintenance and functions. The product addresses general wheelchair maintenance for a variety of chairs; cushion cleaning and maintenance for a variety of cushions; the benefits and use of different functions found on tilt-in-space and power chairs; prevention of pressure injuries; and a tracking sheet for users to use for yearly part replacements. The product will serve as an accessible resource for practitioners to share with patients and caregivers, enabling them to access it from a distance.

Conclusion: This product will serve as a quick and accessible resource for practitioners to share with their patients and caregivers who receive a new chair or are current users to inform them on basic maintenance and features of a variety of wheelchairs. Continued updating of the materials and discussion of common barriers are needed to better understand the effectiveness of current educational materials.

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