Differences Between Manufacturers in Reported Power Wheelchair Repairs and Adverse Consequences Among People With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objective To compare the frequency of power wheelchair (PWC) repairs and consequences experienced over a 6-month period by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who use a PWC ≥40h/wk, based on manufacturer, seating functions, Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) group, and model, and over time. Design Convenience observational sample survey. Setting Spinal Cord Injury Model System centers. Participants Individuals with SCI (N=945) who use a PWC ≥40h/wk. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Number of required wheelchair repairs and resulting consequences (ie, being stranded, missing work/school, or missing a medical appointment). Results Rates of required repairs (47.6%–63.3%) and consequences (26.7%–40.7%) were high across manufacturers. Differences between manufacturers were found among PWCs without seating functions ( P P =.007). Across the 10 most prescribed wheelchairs in this study, 54.5% to 73.9% of users required 1 or more repairs over a 6-month period. Increases in the number of repairs were also found for several PWC manufacturers with time. Differences were found in participant age, working status, years since injury, and presence of seating functions between manufacturers. Conclusions The differences found in the number of repairs reported by survey respondents based on PWC manufacturer and the increases in repairs over time require further evaluation.