Decision To Obtain Power Mobility Devices May Be Complicated For MS Patients

The decision to obtain power mobility equipment by individuals with multiple sclerosis appears to be complicated by factors such as a lack of resources, as well as family environment and communication, a recent trial suggests.

The study authors sought to better understand the reaction of family members of patients with MS who acquire power mobility equipment such as electric wheel chairs or power scooters. Researchers interviewed seven subjects with MS who were using or considering using a power mobility device. In addition, four of the subjects' family members were also interviewed.

The investigators reported that three major themes emerged from the findings. One theme was that recognizing the need for power mobility resulted from the interaction between MS progression and the subjects' desired performance.

Secondly, some of the factors affecting the process of deciding to obtain power mobility included family decision making and communication, insurance funding and approval, as well as the subjects' physical and social environment.

Finally, the authors found that using power mobility resulted in positive, negative, and neutral outcomes.

"This study uncovered an overall lack of resources and some issues within the family environment, such as communication and decision making, both of which can negatively impact the acquisition and use of power mobility for persons with MS," the investigators concluded. "Understanding these challenges may assist occupational therapists to facilitate this transition with their clients."

This study was published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

A complimentary medical news service provided by Teva Neuroscience, this news service has been developed independently and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Teva Neuroscience. MS Update is a current news service provided by VerusMed, An Evolution of Faxwatch. The staff of medical writers at VerusMed independently summarize and abstract the most current articles on subjects in multiple sclerosis from the major peer-reviewed medical publications, such as Annals of Neurology, JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of Neurology. In all cases, VerusMed cites the original source of its material.