An Assistive Powered Wheelchair: Stage 1 Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Assistive Powered Wheelchair: Stage 1 - Evaluating Users' Driving Characteristics. A non-interventional study
IRAS ID
235049
Contact name
David Attwell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Many powered wheelchair users find driving safely and confidently a challenge.
For example it can be difficult to avoid collisions when driving in crowded spaces, down narrow corridors or through doorways.
One outcome is that the user becomes hesitant to use their powered wheelchair. This restricts their independent mobility with a subsequent reduction in quality of life - both for themselves and for their carers and family.
This situation can be made worse by changes in the user's well-being. These changes may be caused by a progressive disease or even by the effect of medication. The user may then lose the ability to drive the wheelchair.
This study is the first stage of a three stage multi-centre European research project "Empowerment of Disabled people through the User Coproduction of Assistive Technology"[EDUCAT - www.educat2seas.eu]. The goal is to assist the powered wheelchair user to drive more safely and confidently thus enhancing their independence and quality of life.
The stages are
1. Monitor user well-being and effect of medication by recording and analysing joystick movements. This information will help identify when the user may need help and how to design a wheelchair that will help them to drive more confidently and safely.
2. Provide the powered wheelchair user with information about obstacles.
3. Provide driving assistance to help the user avoid collisions.
Because this is an extensive study the current proposal only covers stage 1 - to find out whether it is possible to monitor user well being and the effect of medication on their driving. This stage will then be integrated into stages 2 and 3.
The study will be carried out in NHS facilities and in the homes of participants.
It is planned for Stage 1 to last up to 18 months. A device that records joystick movements will be attached to the participant's powered wheelchair for a period of five days.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/2029
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion