posted on 2014-08-07, 13:50authored byJoanna O'Donnell
Background: There have been great advances in technology and choice of wheelchair and seating available, yet acquiring these devices has become more challenging. Children need mobility for normal development, and failure to provide an appropriate wheelchair can affect the trajectories of their development.
Objectives: To develop an understanding of the vital role that wheelchair provision plays in meeting the basic needs of a child, and to determine the factors of the provision process that impact on their occupational performance.
Methods: A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) methodological framework: 1) identification of research question; 2) identification of relevant studies; 3) selection of studies to include; 4) charting of data; and 5) collating, summarizing and reporting.
Results: From the extensive literature available on the topic of wheelchairs in relation to children, eighteen sources were selected for review. The findings identified four main factors of wheelchair provision that impact on children: 1) provision is designed on the needs of adults; 2) variations in seating assessment for children; 3) choice and availability of equipment for children; and 4) the perception of practitioners and parents. However, presently there is a lack of existing guidelines, standards, legislation, and policy relating to the provision of wheelchairs for children in Ireland.
Conclusions: This study advocates for the opportunity and fulfilment of the rights of children to participate in health-building occupations. There is a need for the development of service quality standards in the provision of wheelchair services to enable children to achieve their potential.