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Mobility-related assistive technology device classifications: implications for outcomes research.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Shoemaker, LL; Lenker, JA; Fuhrer, MJ; Jutai, JW; Demers, L; DeRuyter, F
Published in: Am J Phys Med Rehabil
December 2009

This article evaluates six mobility-related device classifications for their ability to support assistive technology outcomes research. Our evaluation considered classifications that had been created for various purposes, including those created to support third-party reimbursement decisions, consumer education and safety, and research. Classifications were excluded if their scope was limited to a single mobility device domain. The six classifications were analyzed according to a common framework: (1) purpose, (2) completeness, (3) granularity, and (4) research applications. Although each classification addresses three principal mobility device domains (ambulation aids, manual wheelchairs, and powered mobility devices), the analysis revealed a range of detail with which each domain is described. Some classifications were hampered by their use of unclear idiosyncratic terminology, whereas others conflated multiple device features within device categories. The analysis suggests that existing classifications do not fully meet the needs of assistive technology outcomes researchers. Creation of a common taxonomy of mobility devices is needed to serve the needs of the assistive technology outcomes research field.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Am J Phys Med Rehabil

DOI

EISSN

1537-7385

Publication Date

December 2009

Volume

88

Issue

12

Start / End Page

1020 / 1032

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Wheelchairs
  • Vocabulary, Controlled
  • Self-Help Devices
  • Rehabilitation
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Orthopedic Equipment
  • Mobility Limitation
  • 4207 Sports science and exercise
  • 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
 

Citation

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Shoemaker, L. L., Lenker, J. A., Fuhrer, M. J., Jutai, J. W., Demers, L., & DeRuyter, F. (2009). Mobility-related assistive technology device classifications: implications for outcomes research. Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 88(12), 1020–1032. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181bc0d55
Shoemaker, Laura L., James A. Lenker, Marcus J. Fuhrer, Jeffrey W. Jutai, Louise Demers, and Frank DeRuyter. “Mobility-related assistive technology device classifications: implications for outcomes research.Am J Phys Med Rehabil 88, no. 12 (December 2009): 1020–32. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181bc0d55.
Shoemaker LL, Lenker JA, Fuhrer MJ, Jutai JW, Demers L, DeRuyter F. Mobility-related assistive technology device classifications: implications for outcomes research. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Dec;88(12):1020–32.
Shoemaker, Laura L., et al. “Mobility-related assistive technology device classifications: implications for outcomes research.Am J Phys Med Rehabil, vol. 88, no. 12, Dec. 2009, pp. 1020–32. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181bc0d55.
Shoemaker LL, Lenker JA, Fuhrer MJ, Jutai JW, Demers L, DeRuyter F. Mobility-related assistive technology device classifications: implications for outcomes research. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Dec;88(12):1020–1032.

Published In

Am J Phys Med Rehabil

DOI

EISSN

1537-7385

Publication Date

December 2009

Volume

88

Issue

12

Start / End Page

1020 / 1032

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Wheelchairs
  • Vocabulary, Controlled
  • Self-Help Devices
  • Rehabilitation
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Orthopedic Equipment
  • Mobility Limitation
  • 4207 Sports science and exercise
  • 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science
  • 3202 Clinical sciences