DB 2004(02) Guidance on the Stability of Wheelchairs

Executive summary
The MHRA continues to receive adverse incident reports where users or carers have been injured or have died as a result of wheelchairs tipping in use. The reports cover all types of wheelchairs with or without supportive seating, including buggies for children with impaired mobility, non-powered wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters.

This Device Bulletin has been prepared in consultation with interested parties to give guidance to users, carers, health services, healthcare professionals, manufacturers and others involved in the provision and use of wheelchairs, seating and accessories.

This document identifies a wide variety of issues affecting wheelchair stability and gives guidance on reducing or removing the risks whilst trying to maintain independent mobility for an individual wheelchair user. It includes:

• what is meant by 'stability' or 'instability' where wheelchair users are concerned;
• major factors affecting the stability of powered or non-powered wheelchairs;
• risk management;
• points to consider before purchase or prescription;
• manufacturers' testing and information for users, carers and prescribers;
• how to report incidents to the MHRA.

This document contains many illustrations, making the file large, so we have provided several options for downloading:

Contents

1. Executive summary
2. Introduction
3. Stability and instability for wheelchairs and users
4. Major factors that affect stability
5. Risk management
6. Points to consider before purchase or prescription
7. Manufacturers' testing procedures
8. Adverse incidents
9. References

 

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