Guidelines for planning appropriate wheelchair and seating provision in progressive neurological disorders.

Background This study will focus on wheelchair and seating provision for people with Progressive Neurological Disorders (PNDs). It forms part of a larger collection of research being carried out on wheelchair provision across the lifespan. People with PNDs may have complex wheelchair and seating needs. The provision of an appropriate wheelchair has a huge impact on a person’s ability to function and participate in society and guidelines to help the provision process are crucial in ensuring positives outcomes for this population. Method A scoping method was used to study the existence of guidelines to assist occupational therapists in wheelchair and seating provision with PNDs. Thematic analysis of the literature was used to extract the issues impacting upon the wheelchair provision process with this population. Findings There is limited evidence of standards and guidelines that inform therapists in wheelchair provision for PNDs. Numerous studies outline the wheelchair needs of people with PNDs and some guidelines exist on general wheelchair provision, yet limited guidelines exist to guide prescribing therapists specifically working with PNDs. From an Irish perspective, there is complete absence of any guidelines or standards; general or specific to any condition. Conclusion The importance of regular and planned review of the wheelchair and seating needs in PNDs is paramount. Barriers to appropriate wheelchair provision exist in the form of funding and ineffective resource management. Inadequate training of prescribing therapists raises questions about satisfactory outcomes for wheelchair users. There is an urgent requirement for development of national guidelines, drawing from existing national standards in other countries if necessary. Further research is recommended on therapists’ own confidence in, and experience of wheelchair provision with PNDs.