Initial validation of the powered mobility device autonomy residential screen (PoMoDARS).

BACKGROUND: The Powered Mobility Device Autonomy Residential Screen (PoMoDARS) is a new tool to enable clinicians to screen resident capacity and performance skills for powered mobility device (PMD) use in residential aged care settings. The PoMoDARS is context specific, time efficient and promotes resident autonomy and safety. AIMS: To (i) undertake initial face and content validation of the PoMoDARS, and (ii) use the research findings to make any modifications. METHODS: A mixed-methods study design, underpinned by Classical Test Theory. Eight clinicians completed 20 PoMoDARS screens and provided both quantitative and qualitative feedback on item importance and ease of use within a formal interview. RESULTS: Initial face and content validity of the PoMoDARS were supported, with small modifications made to item descriptors and instructions. CONCLUSIONS: The PoMoDARS has been developed for use in residential aged care settings to screen resident PMD use. While initial validation has been undertaken, further studies to determine the reliability of the tool and continue the validation process are required. SIGNIFICANCE: Older adults in residential aged care facilities benefit greatly from the autonomy gained through PMD use. The PoMoDARS promotes collaboration between occupational therapists, nurses, and the wider team to support residents and safe PMD use.

Powered mobility device use in residential aged care: a retrospective audit of incidents and injuries.

BACKGROUND: Powered wheelchairs and motorised mobility scooters, collectively called powered mobility devices (PMD), are highly valued by older Australians, including those living in residential care, to facilitate personal and community mobility. The number of PMDs in residential aged care is expected to grow proportionally with that of the wider community, however, there is very little literature on supporting residents to use PMDs safely. Prior to developing such supports, it is important to understand the frequency and nature of any incidents experienced by residents whilst using a PMD. The aim of this study was to determine the number and characteristics of PMD use related incidents occurring in a group of residential aged care facilities in a single year in one state in Australia including incident type, severity, assessment, or training received and outcomes on follow-up for PMD users living in residential aged care. METHODS: Analysis of secondary data, including documentation of PMD incidents and injuries for one aged care provider group over 12 months retrospectively. Follow-up data were gathered 9-12 months post incident to review and record the outcome for each PMD user. RESULTS: No fatalities were recorded as a direct result of PMD use and 55 incidents, including collisions, tips, and falls, were attributed to 30 residents. Examination of demographics and incident characteristics found that 67% of residents who had incurred incidents were male, 67% were over 80 years of age, 97% had multiple diagnoses and 53% had not received training to use a PMD. Results from this study were extrapolated to project that 4,453 PMD use related incidents occur every year within Australian residential aged care facilities, with the potential for outcomes such as extended recovery, fatality, litigation, or loss of income. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that detailed incident data on PMD use in residential aged care has been reviewed in an Australian context. Illuminating both the benefits and the potential risks of PMD use emphasizes the need to develop and improve support structures to promote safe PMD use in residential aged care.

Evaluating Universal Design in Built Environments - A Scoping Project.

This project aimed to scope existing methods of evaluating the application of universal design to built environments and to explore relevant knowledge of key stakeholders, such as architects, access consultants and people who experience disability. The project commenced in 2017. Ethics approval was gained and a mixed methods approach was employed. Methods of data collection included electronic survey and in-depth interview. Early survey findings are reported in this paper. A descriptive approach was used to analyse quantitative data. A total of 157 survey responses were received from across Australia (83%) and internationally (16.6%). Preliminary findings indicate that most survey respondents (72%) had been involved in the process of applying universal design to the design of built environments. Although evaluating the application of universal design was rated as "extremely important" by 85% of respondents, only 36% had such experience. Of these, 74% had used specific tools for this purpose. Non-standardised checklists and access audits were the most frequently used and preferred tools. Overall, stakeholders perceived themselves to have 'some knowledge' on universal design theory and application. This project offers insight into how universal design is understood and applied to the design of built environments. Findings suggest that evaluation is less common than application and that there is a need to strengthen existing methods of evaluation to provide greater detail on universal design processes and outcomes.