Purpose

1. Usability testing of multimodal feedback interface and simulated collision-avoidance power wheelchair for long-term-care homeresidents with cognitive impairments Rosalie H. Wang, PhD, BSc (OT); Alex Mihailidis, PhD, PEng; Tilak Dutta, PhD(c), MASc; Geoff R. Fernie, PhD, PEng

2. Purpose • Develop system that combines an interface with auditory, visual, and haptic feedback and a simulated collision-avoidance power wheelchair. • Test system’s efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction in 5 long-term-care residents. • Relevance • Long-term-care residents often have complex physical and cognitive impairments that impede safe and independent power wheelchair use. • New technology may help improve mobility.

3. Methods Setup and operation of simulated collision-avoidance power wheelchair with multimodal feedback. 1. Obstacle at front left side. 2. Investigator presses key on computer that corresponds to location of obstacle. 3. Power wheelchair movement stops. 4. Delivery of auditory, visual, and haptic feedback.

4. Methods Testing simulated collision-avoidance power wheelchair with multimodal feedback.

5. Conclusions • Usability evaluation demonstrated that device is effective, efficient, and satisfying for long-term-care home residents with cognitive impairment. • Future collision-avoidance power wheelchairs might benefit from adding− • Auditory feedback. • Visual indicators around joystick to display available directions of movement. • Blocks to joystick movement in directions of obstacles. • Increased driving speed (e.g., walking pace, if possible).