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wheel chair (WC, W/C)
Indications:
- inability to walk
- non-ambulatory patients with cognitive impairment
- low-level spinal cord injury
- manual wheelchairs appropriate for patients with some cardiopumonary endurance who can self-propel & perform pressure relief maneuvers independently
- see electric wheel chair for patients without these abilities
Goals of prescription:
1) maximized efficient independent mobility
2) prevent/minimize deformity
3) maximize independent functioning
4) aesthetically pleasing
5) minimize cost/repair/maintenance
Advantages:
- often used in nursing homes & by caregivers for ease of patient mobility
Disadvantages:
- requires use of arms & some cardiopumonary endurance
Notes:
Features:
1) proper fit
2) enhance good posture
3) frame
4) wheels
5) locks
6) grade Aids
7) armrests/footrests
Specific
electric wheel chair
General
disability adaptive equipment
mobility device
References
- Genova A. In: Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine &
Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
- Sehgal M, Jacobs J, Biggs WS.
Mobility Assistive Device Use in Older Adults.
Am Fam Physician. 2021 Jun 15;103(12):737-744.
PMID: 34128609 Free article. Review.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0615/p737.html
- Michael E, Sytsma T, Cowan RE.
A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Wheelchair Prescription for Persons With
Spinal Cord Injury.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2020 Spring;26(2):100-107.
PMID: 32760188 Free PMC article. Review.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7384540/
- James K, Schwartz AW, Orkaby AR.
Mobility Assessment in Older Adults.
N Engl J Med. 2021 Aug 19;385(8):e22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMvcm2009406.
PMID: 34407345 No abstract available.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMvcm2009406