Technologies 2016, 4(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies4030031
The Provision of Powered Mobility Devices in Italy: Linking Process with Outcomes
Lorenzo Desideri 1,2,*
, Devis Trioschi 2, Roberta Agusto 2, Martina Bizzarri 2, Gianantonio Spagnolin 3, Sabrina Cantelli 2, Caterina Paolini 2, Massimiliano Malavasi 2 and Claudio Bitelli 2
, Devis Trioschi 2, Roberta Agusto 2, Martina Bizzarri 2, Gianantonio Spagnolin 3, Sabrina Cantelli 2, Caterina Paolini 2, Massimiliano Malavasi 2 and Claudio Bitelli 21
Center for Assistive Technology, Corte Roncati Center for Disability, Az. USL Bologna, Bologna 40123, Italy
2
Regional Center for Assistive Technology, Corte Roncati Center for Disability, Az. USL Bologna, Bologna 40123, Italy
3
Unità Spinale–Presidio di Sondalo, Az. Ospedaliera Valtellina e Valchiavenna, Sondalo 23035, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editor: Jeffrey W. Jutai
Received: 11 June 2016 / Revised: 5 September 2016 / Accepted: 7 September 2016 / Published: 9 September 2016
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Outcomes Measurement for Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology: International Perspectives)
Abstract
The present paper reports on a series of studies conducted at the Regional Center for Assistive Technology (Centro Regionale Ausili, CRA) in Bologna, Italy. Our purpose was to identify a set of internationally validated instruments and a training circuit with a view to developing a structured and validated Powered Mobility Device (PMD) assessment and training program. To develop the program, three studies were conducted in order to identify: validated measures for assessing the user’s driving skills and training needs for using a PMD (Study 1); measures for evaluating the outcomes of the PMD (Study 2); and, the elements necessary for building a circuit for conducting PMD training (Study 3). In studies 1 and 2, the Wheelchair Skill Test 4.2 Power Wheelchair (WST) and the Wheelchair Outcome Measure (WhOM) were selected and pilot tested using QUEST 2.0. These studies represent an important step in the development and definition of a PMD assessment and training program to be implemented in routine clinical activities in a regional center for assistive technology in Italy. The measures, the circuit and the program will be further tested in future for validity and reliability in order to assess their efficacy in helping professionals to select the most adequate PMD for users, to conduct specific PMD training, and to evaluate PMD outcomes. View Full-TextKeywords:
power mobility devices; outcomes; service delivery; quality assessment
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Desideri, L.; Trioschi, D.; Agusto, R.; Bizzarri, M.; Spagnolin, G.; Cantelli, S.; Paolini, C.; Malavasi, M.; Bitelli, C. The Provision of Powered Mobility Devices in Italy: Linking Process with Outcomes. Technologies 2016, 4, 31.
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