Step Description: Preparing the wheelchair (and cushion) to match the prescription. Depending on the context, may include the fabrication of a cushion. It also involves checking that the wheelchair is working properly, safe and ready to be fitted to the user.

Location/facility: A room with enough space to have different wheelchairs to be adjusted. If applicable, space to fabricate a cushion.

Human resources: Wheelchair manufacturers or vendors can support the teaching of this step. 

Planning considerations: Depending on the context, your students may or may not be responsible for this step. If they are not, consider including this step briefly reflecting on the negative consequences of not having this step implemented appropriately. You will need space to be able to work with the wheelchairs and check that they are safe. If the cushion fabrication is being taught, you need a space with appropriate ventilation. 

How to teach the content:

• Completed prescription forms.
  • Create a variety of case studies using a prescription form used in your context. If there aren’t any available, consider using the WHO prescription form.

Recommended Equipment and Tools:

• Wheelchairs with adjustable features (e.g. footrest/backrest/armrest/ height, rear wheel axle position, seat height, etc).
  • Product documentation (e.g. assembly and adjustment manual).
• Tape measure.
• Tools to adjust the wheelchair features (e.g. Allen Wrenches, screwdrivers).
• Cushion fabrication materials. The following are from the WHO training package.
  • Firm foam.
  • Soft foam.
  • Contact cement.
  • Saw or electric knife.
  • Marker.

Documentation:

• Local product preparation checklist and/or WHO wheelchair ready and safe checklist.
• Completed prescription forms.
• Product specification sheet and assembly / adjustment manuals.

Other comments related to contextual adaptation/implementation: If you are not going to teach Step 3 (prescription), consider including as part of Step 5 (product preparation), the learning objectives on manual wheelchair features and cushion characteristics from Step 3 so your students learn about the different wheelchair and cushions features and adjustability. This knowledge is needed to be able to prepare a wheelchair and cushion.   

Learning Objective

Describe the different personnel, specific to context, involved in product preparation.

How to Teach

Field visits to wheelchair service workshops, clinics with service users, video introduction from service providers. 

WHO wheelchair preparation video

How to Evaluate

Quiz, group activity.

Learning Objective

Explain the steps involved in product preparation.

How to Teach

Lecture with wheelchair and cushion preparation demonstrations (video or live).

Experience (hands on) wheelchair and cushion preparation.

How to Evaluate

Verbal description of steps involved in wheelchair & cushion preparation. 

Quiz.

Learning Objective

Demonstrate ability to adjust different wheelchair components to meet individual user needs.

How to Teach

Small group hands-on activity with wheelchairs and prescription forms.  

How to Evaluate

Group activity.

Learning Objective

Small group hands-on activity with wheelchairs and prescription forms.  

How to Teach

Label wheelchair parts and identify the characteristics of set up. 

Theoretical learning & practice. 

Live demonstration/class for measurement & conversion. 

Wheelchair manuals – adjustable features will be explained. 

Participate/assist in the product preparation.

How to Evaluate

Quiz/test.

Evaluate prepared product against prescription measurements.

Demonstration of product preparation  (process).

Learning Objective

Fabricate, or select, a basic cushion from prescription information, depending on context.

How to Teach

WHO Cushion fabrication video.

Hands-on cushion fabrication practice.

How to Evaluate

Evaluate the finished product dimension against the prescription form.

Learning Objective

Execute a risk/safety and quality analysis of a provided wheelchair and cushion.

How to Teach

Match risks with mitigation strategies.

Complete a safety checklist of wheelchair set up.

Theoretical & practical learning on quality & safety guide of wheelchair & cushion.

Observational/comparative studies of different finished products.

How to Evaluate

Evaluate/observe the student’s practice of quality & safety check.

Evaluate the percentage of the check list followed. 

Comparative study report.