The choice of self-propelling wheelchairs for spinal patients

Abstract

This abstract demonstrates that in England, wheelchairs provided by the Government are the core of mobility support to spine-injured patients who have retained self-propelling ability. They provide for all indoor mobility needs during early rehabilitation and, for over half of such patients, indefinitely. Yet 45% of patients stated that they were not satisfied with these wheelchairs, and even 39% of the patients who were satisfied had sought alternative provision. A group of young, active patients exists who need lighter, higher performance chairs which are only available commercially at present. Because of the high cost of these alternative chairs, patients should be advised to wait until they are well adapted in all respects to the consequences of their disability before making a major decision.