Document Detail


Transporting children in wheelchairs in passenger vehicles: a comparison of best practice to observed and reported practice in a pilot sample.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21073111     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: We compared observed and reported practice among children with special health care needs transported in wheelchairs with the recommendations from the American National Standards Institute/Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America Committee on Wheelchairs and Transportation voluntary standards for best practice for using wheelchairs in vehicles.
METHOD: A convenience sample of vehicles exiting the garage of a children's hospital was observed. Certified child passenger safety technicians gathered driver demographics and the child's reported medical condition, weight, age, clinic visited, and relation to the driver. Technicians observed how the wheelchair and occupant were secured.
RESULTS: A sample of 20 vehicles showed that 90% used four-point tie-down systems to secure the wheelchairs. A total of 88% of drivers tied the wheelchairs down correctly; only 20% used a separate lap-shoulder belts to secure the occupants. Twenty-five percent used lap trays, which are not recommended. Fifteen participants traveled with medical equipment secured inappropriately.
CONCLUSION: Many deviations from best practice were observed and highlight areas for increased awareness, education, and resources for caregivers.
Authors:
Janell Yonkman; Joseph O'Neil; Judith Talty; Marilyn J Bull
Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The American journal of occupational therapy. : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association     Volume:  64     ISSN:  0272-9490     ISO Abbreviation:  Am J Occup Ther     Publication Date:    2010 Sep-Oct
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-11-15     Completed Date:  2010-12-17     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7705978     Medline TA:  Am J Occup Ther     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  804-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children With Special Health Care Needs, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, 575 West Drive, Room XE 004, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jyonkman@clarian.org
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Accidental Falls / prevention & control
Automobiles
Benchmarking
Child
Child, Preschool
Disabled Children*
Female
Humans
Male
Pilot Projects
Safety Management / standards
Seat Belts*
Transportation of Patients / methods,  standards*
Wheelchairs*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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