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Power mobility with collision avoidance for older adults: User, caregiver, and prescriber perspectives. Rosalie H. Wang, BSc (OT), PhD; Alexandra Korotchenko, BHK, MA, PhD(c); Laura Hurd Clarke, MSW, PhD; W. Ben Mortenson, BSc (OT), MSc, PhD; Alex Mihailidis, PhD, PEng. Aim
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Power mobility with collision avoidance for older adults: User, caregiver, and prescriber perspectives Rosalie H. Wang, BSc (OT), PhD; Alexandra Korotchenko, BHK, MA, PhD(c); Laura Hurd Clarke, MSW, PhD; W. Ben Mortenson, BSc (OT), MSc, PhD; Alex Mihailidis, PhD, PEng
Aim • Explore user, caregiver, and prescriber views on power mobility devices (PMDs) with collision avoidance (CA) technology. • Relevance • CA technology can facilitate safer mobility for older PMD users with physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments. • Little is known about consumers’ perceptions of CA.
Method • Qualitative research approach was used and thematic analysis was applied to analyze in-depth, semistructured interview data from: • 29 PMD users (aged 50+). • 5 caregivers. • 10 occupational therapists. Example of intelligent power wheelchair.
Results • Data analysis identified 3 themes: • Useful situations or contexts. • Driving backward, avoiding dynamic obstacles, negotiating outdoor barriers, and learning PMD use. • Technologydesign issues and real life application. • Context awareness, reliability, and user interface specifications. • Appropriatenessof collision avoidance technology for a variety of users.
Conclusion • Most participants supported CA technology. • Saw benefits for current users and users with visual impairments. • Felt it might be unsuitable for people with significant cognitive impairments. • Some participants voiced concerns regarding injury risk. • Users expressed desire to maintain driving autonomy, which supports development of collaboratively controlled systems.