Wheelchair and seating service provision in the Republic of Ireland: exploring service users’ perspectives

Purpose: To explore the perspectives of service users availing of wheelchair and seating service provision in the Republic of Ireland, within the context of muscular dystrophy. Method: Four participants availing of wheelchair and seating service provision were interviewed using a semi-structured, open-ended interview protocol. Three participants were adult wheelchair users with muscular dystrophy and one a wheelchair associate, the mother of an adolescent with muscular dystrophy. The research was informed by a qualitative research methodology and data analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged following data analysis: ‘becoming and being a wheelchair user: progression, participation and provision’, ‘influences on service user experience: resources and rapport’ and ‘navigating the system: support, self-advocacy and suggestions’. Participants gave their perspectives of the personal impact of muscular dystrophy and wheelchair use, provided examples of what influenced their experiences of service provision and described how they themselves navigated the services of which they availed. Conclusion: Areas of consideration by occupational therapists practicing within the realms of wheelchair and seating service provision were highlighted, such as the importance of understanding the lived experience of service users and establishing sufficient therapeutic rapport. Funding, waiting times and client-therapist relationships were highlighted as areas that appeared to impact upon service user satisfaction. The consequence of inadequate service provision is discussed as is the importance of supporting the implementation of best practice guidelines and the creation of governmental policy regarding personal mobility in the Republic of Ireland.