Significance of social factors for efficient provision of assistive devices and technologies for the disabled persons. Automating the process of customized selection of a wheelchair

Abstract

Objective: to develop an algorithm for customized selection of a wheelchair for the disabled persons with limited mobility followed by design of a software allowing to automate the process of wheelchair selection. Materials and methods. Analytical review of English literature was performed to address the issues in prescription and utilization of the assistive devices and technologies (ADT). The regulatory documents governing the ADT prescription in the Russian Federation (RF) were studied. Russian market of the wheelchairs for the disabled persons was analyzed. Ten disabled persons with traumatic spinal cord injury to the department of medical rehabilitation of the Centre were examined to pilot the software for automated wheelchair selection. Results. After the literature review results were structured, the major groups of factors that should be considered when selecting a wheelchair were identified: 1) anthropometric measurement, 2) physical and functional capabilities of the disabled person, 3) level of everyday activity, 4) availability and physical capabilities of the caregivers, 5) particularities of the environmental factors. The algorithm for customized selection of wheelchair was designed. The database comprising the technical characteristics of 141 wheelchair models that are taken as a basis of the software was developed. IBM-compatible computer was used to develop the software. Programming language: Delphi, data base management system: Microsoft Access 2013. Piloting results showed the effectiveness of the software. In all cases appropriate wheelchairs were selected. Conclusion. Within current study the software for automated process of customized wheelchair selection was piloted. The software takes into consideration the level of activities and participation of the disabled persons and significant environmental factors which allows to customize the ADT prescription.