Wheelchair satisfaction: a study with mothers of children and adolescents with severe cerebral palsy

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between device and service satisfaction among mothers of children with cerebral palsy who use wheelchairs, as well as to examine the connections between satisfaction, wheelchair characteristics, confidence, and proficiency in wheelchair use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 30 mothers of children and adolescents with severe cerebral palsy that are not able to propel the wheelchair by themselves. Participants' satisfaction and the skills for moving with a wheelchair were assessed with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0), the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including correlation tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA-OneWay), was performed and supplemented by qualitative analysis for a more comprehensive understanding. RESULTS: The results showed that factors such as wheelchair dimensions, ease of adjustment, weight, comfort, and the quality of delivery and technical assistance services raised concerns and dissatisfaction among participants. Safety and comfort were identified as key factors for satisfaction, reported by 73.3% of participants, while 36.7% mentioned ease of use. A significant correlation between ability and confidence was established (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), with a high magnitude (<i>R</i> = 0.94). CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of including primary caregivers in wheelchair assessments to understand the determinants of satisfaction better and proposes Assistive Technology interventions that prioritize caregivers' perspectives. This may improve prescription practices, thereby increasing user satisfaction and usability. Additionally, it highlights the potential of modular and collapsible support systems tailored to meet diverse physical needs.