What are the 2 wheelchair referral patterns
Direct referral for a specific chair
Referral for full assessment
What pattern does age distribution of wheelchair referral show
Biphasic: peaks in early age and in elderly
What are the 2 main problems that lead to wheelchair use
Neurological deficit
MSK problems
What are the priority cases to be seen in clinic
Children All cases requiring special seating All self-propelling chairs All potential power-chair users All patients from Dundee (local) area
What form is typically used in patient documentation
Wheelchair Prescription Form
What is measured during physical assessment for wheelchair prescription
Height and weight Hip width Thigh length Shank or calf length Shoulder to seat length Arm height Cushion needs
What 3 main factors should be considered when prescribing a wheelchair
Needs of the user and their future aspirations
Needs of the carer
The environment that the wheelchair will be used in
What is the ideal chair width
Hip width plus 4cm
What is ideal chair depth
Thigh length minus 2cm
What is ideal footplate position
Feet flat on the plate with thighs horizontal
What is ideal back rest height
Back of the wheelchair just below the edge of the scapula
What is ideal arm rest height
Should allow user to rest arms on arm rest comfortably
What is the most common optimum wheel size
24inch
When are armrests appropriate/not appropriate
Appropriate for elderly who need extra support when transferring in and out of chair
Not appropriate for young active users
When should an electric chair be considered
When the user cannot self-propel easily with their hands or feet
What important assessments are used before electric wheelchair prescription
Spatial awareness
Psychological stability
Road test
Why is a domiciliary visit useful before wheelchair prescription
Assess how suitable home environment is for wheelchair
Builds confidence in using chair in own environment
Team can assess implications of topography
Allows practice of using chair/getting chair in/out of car
Ensures user can understand safety features of an electric chair
What are 4 potential dangers of wheelchairs
Tipping back
Tipping forwards
Brakes
General electric chair use (esp when going up and down kerbs)
When is wheelchair follow-up necessary
In children
In patients with changing medical/domestic conditions
In patients who have follow-up needs identified in clinic
