Evaluation of Pediatric-Specific Wheelchair-Skills-Training Tools By Primary Users: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background Children’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations is positively influenced by their ability to move independently. Preliminary evidence in children suggests that wheelchair skills training improves wheelchair skills, which are critical for wheelchair mobility. The Wheelchair Skills Training Program is a standardized program to teach wheelchair skills. However, it is underutilized in pediatric rehabilitation settings. To address perceived barriers to training, three pediatric-specific Wheelchair Skills Training Program tools for indoor skills were developed (i.e., a storybook, four instructional posters, and a workbook). This study aimed to document occupational therapists’ and pediatric manual wheelchair users’ satisfaction and perspectives on the usability, relevance, and feasibility of these tools. Method A descriptive qualitative research design was used. A focus group was conducted with occupational therapists and interviews were conducted pediatric manual wheelchair users to obtain their feedback on the tool prototypes to facilitate refinement and to ensure they meet users’ needs. Results Eight occupational therapists and five pediatric manual wheelchair users expressed general satisfaction with the tools, describing them as usable, relevant and feasible to integrate into wheelchair skills training with novice wheelchair users and younger children. All occupational therapists and three pediatric manual wheelchair users expressed the desire to use the tools for wheelchair skills training. Two children expressed that the tools were more relevant for beginner wheelchair users only. The participants suggested minor modifications to make the tools more accessible for children (e.g., more action in the story, increased precision of illustrations related to the characters’ position in the wheelchair). Conclusion Occupational therapists and pediatric manual wheelchair users perceived the tools to have high potential to facilitate the use of the Wheelchair Skills Training Program in pediatric rehabilitation settings. After making the recommended modifications, the tools will be ready for pilot testing in pediatric rehabilitation settings.