Clinical considerations of prescribing manual versus power mobility (June 25, 2024)

Presented by: Cathy Choi

Clients working with occupational therapists may wonder if a manual or power wheelchair will best meet their needs. Successfully incorporating a manual versus a power wheelchair into a client’s life, however, requires highly varied skills and factors (Smith et al., 2016; Abou & Rice, 2022).  Appropriate wheelchair selection is a complex process with multiple clinical considerations.  Occupational therapists, by thorough assessment, analysis, and collaboration with clients, are instrumental in ensuring effective wheelchair prescriptions. This webinar provides an overview of clinical factors to consider when assessing for and recommending a manual versus power wheelchair. Based on the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America’s (RESNA, 2011) Wheelchair Service Provision Guide, participants will evaluate case studies representing clients with stroke and multiple sclerosis, learning about biomechanical factors impacting wheelchair mobility and occupational participation.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the different functional skills needed for manual and power wheelchair use.
2. Apply three domains of assessment interview to understand the client’s needs, goals, and expectations.
3. Identify five factors that assist in determining the appropriateness of manual or power mobility.

Level  Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific area of practice)

Area of practice Assistive Technology, Brain injury/Concussion/Spinal Cord, Equipment Assessments, Neurology, Older Adults, Orthopedics

Client age group Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)