Multidisciplinary approach to converting power chair into motorized prone cart

Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
Steven W Brose, Eisha Wali

Abstract

Pressure ulcers remain a major source of morbidity and mortality in veterans with neurologic impairment. Management of pressure ulcers typically involves pressure relief over skin regions containing wounds, but this can lead to loss of mobility and independence when the wounds are located in regions that receive pressure from sitting. An innovative, low-cost, multidisciplinary effort was undertaken to maximize quality of life in a veteran with a thoracic-4 level complete spinal cord injury and a stage 4 ischial wound. The person's power wheelchair was converted into a motorized prone cart, allowing navigation of the Department of Veterans Affairs spinal cord injury hospital ward and improved socialization while relieving pressure on the wound. Physical and occupational therapy assisted with the reconfiguration of the power chair and verified safe transfers into the chair and driving of the device. Psychology verified positive psychosocial benefit, while nursing and physician services verified an absence of unwanted pain or skin injury resulting from use of the device. Further investigation of ways to apply this technique is warranted to improve the quality of life of persons with pressure ulcers.

References

Nov 24, 1999·Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·W O McKinleyM J DeVivo
Apr 15, 2004·Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·Susan L Garber, Diana H Rintala
Jan 4, 2007·Wound Repair and Regeneration : Official Publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society·JoAnne WhitneyNancy Stotts
Jun 5, 2007·Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America·Chester H Ho, Kath Bogie
Jul 3, 2007·Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·Marylou GuihanSally Ann Holmes
Mar 7, 2009·The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine·Barbara M Bates-JensenStephen P Burns
Jun 22, 2012·International Wound Journal·Brian C ChanPamela E Houghton

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Citations

Aug 18, 2016·Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·Steven W BroseKen J Gustafson

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