Trends, goals and outcomes for children and families using early powered mobility in a charitable loan scheme

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore a large data set compiled by a UK charity loan scheme to identify trends and paint a practice-based picture of how young children use early years powered mobility (EYPM). Design/methodology/approach Statistical analysis was used to investigate a database of 90 children, ranging in age from 15 to 72 months who completed use of an EYPM device (the Wizzybug, or WB) between April 2011 and December 2015. Goals were set and reviewed, and thematic analysis was used to understand families’ insights into their children’s use of EYPM, using a free-text review form. Findings Children’s mean age when joining this free loan scheme was 39.6 months. The later the child started using a Wizzybug, the less likely they were to achieve their goals. A theme of happiness and enjoyment emerged as important for both child and family. The child’s independence translated to independence for the whole family. Research limitations/implications The database was operational and incomplete. Lack of a standardised outcome measure was disadvantageous. Practical implications Challenges of translating research knowledge into practice are highlighted, supporting the need for more rigorous and standardised outcome measures. Earlier identification of children’s readiness for EYPM is required alongside research and recognition of the holistic benefits of EYPM for all the family. Originality/value This research profited from a large data set of young children with long-term access to powered mobility at home.

Powered mobility interventions for very young children with mobility limitations to aid participation and positive development: the EMPoWER evidence synthesis

“…Kenyon et al, 61 Evans and Baines 62 and Durkin 109 Use Accessibility Accessibility of public spaces Evans et al, 59 Feldner et al, 60 Kenyon et al, 61 Gudgeon and Kirk, 99 Pituch et al, 100 Wiart et al, 102 Feldner 116 and Berry et al 133 Terrain Pritchard-Wiart et al, 58 Evans et al, 59 Feldner et al, 60 Kenyon et al, 61 Gudgeon and Kirk, 99 Pituch et al 100 and Berry et al 133…”

“…Owing to their small sizes and playful, fun designs, ride-on toys 60,61 and starter powered mobility devices 62 were more common among children aged < 5 years, offering a developmentally appropriate and child-centred approach to introducing powered mobility to very young children. Ride-on toys, in particular, offer a relatively inexpensive and fun way to introduce powered mobility and enable movement, participation, social interaction and independence.…”

“…l Ability to undertake basic tasks related to looking after oneself, such as eating or drinking l Caregiver assistance l Autonomy, freedom, choice and control l Participation Autonomy, independence, choice and control, and freedom (quantitative studies; 12,13,58,62,75,76,86,89,[91][92][93]98,[106][107][108] He played baseball this year, so he was able to run the bases in his power chair, which he could never have done beforehand. Parent, Wiart et al 102 Enjoying movement for its own sake was also important, particularly for some of the boys who both described and demonstrated their enjoyment of the sensation of movement and speed.…”

“…= inconsistent (34-59% of studies suggest an effect); + = positive effect (60-100% of studies suggest a positive effect); -= negative effect (60-100% of studies suggest a negative effect); when three or more studies suggested the same result, summary codes were 00, ++, --; when four or more studies suggested inconsistent results, the summary code was ??. 58 Feldner et al, 60 Durkin 109 and Berry et al 133 Skill preparation Pritchard-Wiart et al, 58 Evans and Baines, 62 Torkia et al, 71 Durkin 109 and Currier et al 105 Emotional journey for parents and children…”

“…Kenyon et al, 61 Evans and Baines, 62 Durkin, 109 Pituch et al, 100 Currier et al 105 and Nilsson et al 117 Importance of time to develop skills and reveal potential Pritchard-Wiart et al, 58 Kenyon et al, 61 Evans and Baines, 62 Nilsson and Nyberg, 74 Durkin, 109 Sonday and Gretschel, 101 Currier et al, 105 Jonasson 110 and Berry et al 133…”