Apply for some research funding Geoff!

E.g. the Research for patient benefit programme maybe:

http://www.nihr-ccf.org.uk/site/programmes/rfpb/default.cfm 


Cheers.
 
Simon

-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Harbach Geoff
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 11:31 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Evidence base for Special Powered Wheelchair Controls

Hi Neil.
 
Have you looked through the proceedings of the RAATE and P&MG conferences, I
know there are presentations on this subject. They are not of course peer
reviewed papers.
 
I have been doing Special Controls assessment for about 14 years now, it was
what I was employed to do and it never really occurred to me to write papers
about it, I didn't really have time, I just got on with the job.
 
I did try on a number of occasions to implement a very simple "outcome
measure" so that I could document the level of powered wheelchair mobility
they had before the assessment, and then measure it again after provision,
but very few of my colleagues seemed to understand why I should want to do
it. I did however record this data within the reports for a period of time,
but never collated it. Consequently, I have no documented "evidence" to say
that Special Controls provision is clinically beneficial or cost effective.
(nor for that matter on the quality of my assessment!).
 
I have to say that the assessment process is not just about which joystick
or switches to use, but where you put them and the physical properties of
their operation. Just as important is how the chair is programmed to respond
to the client's inputs, and is a function not only of the construction style
and mass of the chair, but also the construction style and mass of the
driver - coupled with their cognitive and motor abilities. This is not
something you can assess for using two joysticks and a computer program, it
is usually a very "hands on" iterative and maybe even instinctive process.
The ease of use of the system is also a factor in its uptake.
 
The other part of the equation is the level of technical support required
and the knowledge of electronics and the hand tool skills necessary to
manufacture a solution that will be safe and reliable in the very demanding
situations they will find themselves. Without this support, the provision is
unlikely to be successful.
 
I have records of some 400 or more client interventions which detail a
clinical physical assessment and the success or otherwise of the supplied
special control system. I would be very interested in doing a paper that
retrospectively looks at the outcomes from these interventions. Time is the
problem. Time doing this is clinical time lost.
 
I know that some clients lives have been transformed by special controls,
particularly with an integrated system. Some clients choose to abandon
powered mobility even when they are demonstrably capable of it. Most
interventions I would say are or were successful, but of course I have no
published evidence of this.
 
I would be very keen to work with you on a joint paper, assuming managerial
agreement.
 
Best regards,
 
          Geoff 

G.J.Harbach   I.Eng  MIED  IIPEM  RegBHTA
Clinical Technologist
"Department of Health Care Science" 
West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre
91 Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak
Birmingham, B29 6JA
Tel 0121  627 1627  Ext 53245 

	-----Original Message-----
	From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Neil Gregory
	Sent: 05 December 2007 10:27
	To: [log in to unmask]
	Subject: Evidence base for Special Powered Wheelchair Controls
	
	
	Hi,
	 
	I've been browsing the literature for any evidence available
regarding use of Special Powered Wheelchair Controls and come up with very
little. Does anyone have reference to papers, research etc relating to this
sort of provision? Perhaps evidence of effectiveness of provision, case
studies, effective and timely prescription for Rapidly Progressive
neurological conditions, Risk Assessment, Effective service delivery models
are some starting points?
	 
	Here's the one paper I've found so far:
	"Single-switch control versus powered wheelchair for training
cause-effect relationships: case studies", Nilsson and Nyberg May 1999.
Technology and Disability 11 (1999) 35-38
	 
	Many thanks,
	 

	Neil Gregory
	Bio-Engineer
	WeSTMARC - West of Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Centre
	Southern General University Hospital
	[log in to unmask]

	
	Tel - 0844 8113001 (Lo-Call)

	Fax - 0141-201 2649

	
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