A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) supplier opinions on the current state of wheelchair repair services.

It is documented that wheelchair failures occur frequently, repair times are lengthy, and users often experience adverse consequences. This study aims to gather evidence on efficiency of current wheelchair repair processes from the perspective of complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) suppliers who...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 739 - 745
Autores principales: Ruffing, Jeffrey J., Schmeler, Mark R., Schein, Richard M., Mhatre, Anand
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Apr2024
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=176495454&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ccm
    uiTerm: 176495454
    longDbName: CINAHL Complete
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    dissinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        17483107
        1X04
      jtl: Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
      issn: 17483107
      maglogo: Y
    pubinfo:
      dt: Apr2024
      vid: 19
      iid: 3
      pid: 377
      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    artinfo:
      ui:
        176495454
        159082811
        176495454
        176495454
        10.1080/17483107.2022.2121007
        176495454
      ppf: 739
      ppct: 6
      formats:
        fmt:
          – @attributes:
              type: T
          – @attributes:
              type: P
      tig:
        atl: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) supplier opinions on the current state of wheelchair repair services.
      aug:
        au:
          Ruffing, Jeffrey J.
          Schmeler, Mark R.
          Schein, Richard M.
          Mhatre, Anand
        affil: Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
      sug:
        subj:
          Assistive Technology Services Evaluation
          Wheelchair Fitting Equipment and Supplies
          Rehabilitation Evaluation
          Technology
          Healthcare Supply Chain
          Attitude Evaluation
          Biomedical Equipment Technicians
          Human
          United States
          Cross Sectional Studies
          Descriptive Research
          Surveys
          Health Services Accessibility
          Quality Improvement
          Documentation
          Reimbursement Mechanisms
          Professional Competence
          Insurance Coverage
          Insurance, Health
          Wheelchairs Adverse Effects
          Telehealth
          Exploratory Research
          Interviews
          Quantitative Studies
          Paired T-Tests
          Funding Source
      ab: It is documented that wheelchair failures occur frequently, repair times are lengthy, and users often experience adverse consequences. This study aims to gather evidence on efficiency of current wheelchair repair processes from the perspective of complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) suppliers who perform repairs within the United States. A 20 statement survey was developed to identify barriers and facilitators related to wheelchair repairs across the domains of administrative and operational factors as well as to identify future opportunities for improvement. Key statements in these areas included time to perform a repair, documentation requirements, tracking repair progress, reimbursement, technician competency, emerging strategies and preventative maintenance. The online survey was broadly disseminated to a nationwide network of CRT suppliers for data collection. A total of 127 responses were received. Results showed that administrative statements received the lowest scores while those statements dealing with future opportunities received the highest scores. Areas of the industry that suppliers were in most disagreement with included wait time for insurance approval, reimbursement for parts, reimbursement for technician travel time and lack of coverage for preventative maintenance. Telehealth system usage, preventative maintenance coverage, tracking repairs and repair scheduling were future opportunities that suppliers were in most agreement with. Administrative issues exist in the CRT industry due to restrictive insurance policies associated with repairs and maintenance. Future opportunities to improve the process exist including payment models and the application of telehealth, device monitoring and service-based performance incentives to reduce adverse consequences to the user. Highlights the direct importance and barriers faced within the wheelchair repair industry by CRT suppliers. In a sample of CRT suppliers, there is agreement there exists many administrative and operational issues related to wheelchair repairs. There is agreement among survey respondents of opportunities to investigate further telehealth and remote strategies, preventative maintenance coverage and online tracking for wheelchair repairs.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
    refInfo:
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N