Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization
Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization
Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization
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3.3.4 Prescription<br />
servIce delIvery I 81<br />
Objective<br />
The objective of good prescription practice is to match the needs of the user, as identified through<br />
the assessment, with the most suitable wheelchair available.<br />
<strong>Wheelchairs</strong> need to be available in different types and sizes and with different options. The<br />
prescription (or selection) represents the process of matching the needs of the user with the most<br />
suitable available wheelchair. The completed prescription form is a full description of the wheelchair<br />
required and selected by the individual user.<br />
Box 3.6. Good practice in prescription (or selection)<br />
n Users are given the opportunity to see and, where possible, try samples of wheelchairs, cushions and postural support<br />
components. This assists users and personnel together in selecting a wheelchair and the necessary features.<br />
n The importance of features is prioritized to help to make the most appropriate choice from what may be a limited<br />
range of available wheelchairs.<br />
n each wheelchair prescription is documented, either on the assessment form or on a dedicated prescription form. The<br />
prescription details:<br />
• the type and size of wheelchair;<br />
• any additional components required (for example pressure-relief seat cushion);<br />
• any modifications or custom components required; and<br />
• the information or skills that the user needs to know, or be able to perform, before leaving the service with a new<br />
wheelchair.<br />
n Wheelchair service personnel are given time to write up assessment and prescription notes immediately after each<br />
appointment.<br />
n Services give users an estimate of when their wheelchair will be ready (depending on funding, see below). Where<br />
possible, an appointment for the user’s fitting is made at the time the prescription is made.<br />
3