research on wheelchair

I am always on the lookout for research. I came across this for anyone in U.S.. hope its ok to post here. Its from spaulding rehab hospital in Boston

Equity and Quality in Assistive Technology (EQuATe) 2.0 for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

SNERSCIC is joining eight other model systems nationwide, led by the University of Pittsburgh, to explore wheelchair equipment and services provided to individuals with SCI of different ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds. The goal of this study is to improve the quality of wheelchairs prescribed for individuals with SCI. In addition, the proposed research may benefit all individuals who use manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs in the future, given recent changes in health care policy of competitive bidding that limit financial reimbursement for medical services and supplies. The impact of changes in coverage are likely to be profound, but can only be measured if they are tracked.



For this study, we will collect information on Assistive Technology (AT) used by individuals with SCI, including wheelchair make, model, failures, and repairs. This data will enable us to track the impact of insurance market changes, find differences in wheelchair failures, and present this information to wheelchair users.



You may be eligible if you:

Have a non-progressive (i.e., traumatic) spinal cord injury

Have an injury that occurred at least one year ago

Must be at least 18 years of age

What would we ask you to do:

There are two parts to the study, and you can take part in one or both:



Part 1: Answer Interview questions – about 45 minutes long, by phone or in person We will give participants a $10 gift certificate when you complete interview.

Part 2: Use a mobile app– very quick check-ins on your wheelchair repairs over 6 months (NOTE: This part will be run by Dr. Mike Boninger, University of Pittsburgh SCI Model System)

CONTACT: Bethlyn Houlihan, MSW, MPH, Site Investigator bhoulihan1@mghihp.edu 781-718-4189