Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Title

Participatory action research to examine the current state of practice in the wheelchair assessment and procurement process

Authors

Teresa Plummer, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences – Occupational Therapy Department

First Advisor

Max Ito

Publication Date / Copyright Date

2010

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Teresa Plummer. 2010. Participatory action research to examine the current state of practice in the wheelchair assessment and procurement process. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences – Occupational Therapy Department. (12)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_ot_student_dissertations/12.

Abstract

"Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Occupational Therapy Department, College of Allied Health and Nursing, Nova Southeastern University."

The author explored the current state of practice and the essential elements in the wheelchair assessment and procurement process. Obtaining the correct wheelchair is a complex process, involving the client, family, practitioners, suppliers, manufacturers, policy makers and insurers. This study utilized a qualitative research approach using Participatory Action Research (PAR) and a Delphi consensus approach to garner input from 155 individuals who have experience in the field of wheelchair assessments. While wheelchair users account for 1% of the United States population over the age of 6, they experience oppression, unemployment, and activity limitations. The findings of this study suggest that the wheelchair assessment process be theoretically based on empowerment and reflect a client-centered process.

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Keywords

Health and environmental sciences, Client-centered practice, Disabilities, Empowerment, People with disabilities, Wheelchair assessment