Wheelchair Assessment - Physical Assessment
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Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly, Rucha Gadgil, Amrita Patro, Olajumoke Ogunleye, Tarina van der Stockt and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Physical assessment is the second part of the assessment process and includes:
Identifying the Presence, Risk of or History of Pressure Sores[edit | edit source]
Identifying the Method of Propulsion[edit | edit source]
it is important to find out how the wheelchair user will push, as this can affect the choice of wheelchair and the way it is set up
Taking Measurements[edit | edit source]
Four measurements from the wheelchair user are needed to choose the best available size of wheelchair for that person. each measurement relates to the wheelchair.
Measuring Tools[edit | edit source]
- Use a retractable metal tape measure
- clipboards/books can be used to help measure accurately (see How to take body measurements).
- Large callipers are an additional tool that can be very useful. These can be made locally from wood.
- Foot-blocks can be used to support the wheelchair user’s feet at the correct height.
How To Take Body Measurements[edit | edit source]
- Ask the wheelchair user to sit as upright as possible.
- The wheelchair user’s feet should be supported on the floor or on foot-blocks if they cannot reach the floor comfortably.
- For all measurements, make sure the tape measure is held straight and the wheelchair user is sitting upright. Holding a clipboard/book on either side of the wheelchair user can help in obtaining an accurate measurement.
- Bend down to ensure you are viewing the tape measure at the correct angle.
Assessing Wheelchair Skills[edit | edit source]
- Finding out how the wheelchair user sits and what additional postural support they may need through:
- Observing sitting posture without support;
- Carrying out a pelvis and hip posture screen. Pelvis and hip posture screening helps to understand how any problems around the pelvis or hips may be affecting the wheelchair user’s sitting posture;
- Carrying out hand simulation. The wheelchair service personnel uses their hands to ‘simulate’ the support that a wheelchair and additional postural supports may provide;
- Taking Measurements.
