Wheelchair Preparation
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
The objective of good practice in product preparation is to prepare the wheelchair for the fitting, including modifications or custom postural support component[1].
Product (wheelchair) preparation[2] includes:
• preparing the wheelchair to match the wheelchair user’s prescription (selection);
• checking the wheelchair to make sure that it is safe and ready to be used and all parts are working properly.
Preparing the wheelchair[edit | edit source]
Prepare the wheelchair in the following order:
1. Check that the wheelchair seat width and depth measurements are correct for the prescription (selection).
2. Check that the cushion width and depth match the seat.
3. Adjust (where possible):
• Backrest height and angle;
• Armrests height;
• Rear wheels position;
• Brakes position;
• Footrests height;
• Push handles height;
• Any other adjustments.
4. Carry out a “wheelchair safe and ready” check.
Checklist: Is the wheelchair safe and ready to use? [2][edit | edit source]
For the whole wheelchair | How to check | |
There are no sharp edges | Check all over the wheelchair with eyes and hands | |
No parts are damaged or scratched. | ||
The wheelchair travels in a straight line | Push the wheelchair away from you, making sure the castor wheels are in the “trail” position. | |
Front castor wheels | ||
Spin freely. | Tip the wheelchair on to the back wheels. Spin the castor wheels. | |
Spin without touching the fork. | ||
Bolts are tight. | Check. They should feel firm. Do not over tighten. | |
Front castor barrels | ||
Castor fork spins freely. | Tip the wheelchair on to the back wheels. Spin the castor fork around. | |
Rear wheels | ||
Spin freely. | Tip the wheelchair sideways on to one rear wheel. Spin the other wheel. Check the other side. | |
Axle bolts are tight. | Check. They should feel firm. Do not over tighten. | |
Tyres (if those are pneumatic) are inflated correctly. | Press on the tyres with your thumb. The wheel should depress a little, but no more than 5 mm. | |
Push rims are secure | Check | |
Brakes | ||
Function properly | Apply brakes. Check the wheelchair cannot be moved. | |
Footrests | ||
Footrests are securely attached. | Check. | |
Frame | ||
Cross-folding wheelchair folds and unfolds easily. | Fold the wheelchair to check that the folding mechanisms are working correctly. | |
Fold-down backrest – the backrest folds and unfolds easily. | ||
Cushion | ||
The cushion is in the cover correctly. | Usually the cushion cover is done up at the back of the cushion, underneath. | |
The cushion is sitting on the wheelchair correctly. | If the cushion is contoured, the “well” for the seat bones should be at the back of the seat. | |
The cushion cover fabric is tight but not too tight. | The cushion cover should not stretch tightly over any contours of the cushion. | |
The cushion fully covers the seat | Check that no part of the seat is visible from under the cushion. This is particularly important for solid seats. | |
Sub Heading 3[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Guidelines on the provision of Manual Wheelchairs in less resourced settings,3.Service delivery ,Page No. 82:Product preparationhttp://www.who.int/disabilities/publications/technology/English%20Wheelchair%20Guidelines%20(EN%20for%20the%20web).pdf
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 World Health Organisation; Wheelchairervicetraining package; Reference Manual For Participants; Basic Level; Step 5 Product Wheelchair preparation; Page No.55,56http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/78236/9789241503471_reference_manual_eng.pdf?sequence=1 .