Perceptions on design, operability and impact of a power-assist, novel caregiver assist transport chair: a mixed methods study

INTRODUCTION: Some older adults cannot participate in community activities alone and their caregivers may be physically unable to assist them. In these circumstances, there is an opportunity to decrease caregiver workload through caregiver-targeted, mobility technology. We developed the Caregiver Assist Transport Chair (CATC), a motorised chair that responds to caregiver effort. PURPOSE: To examine factors influencing design, operability, and perceived impact of the CATC. METHODS: We employed a mixed methods study with older Veterans and their caregivers at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Testing sessions included a functional assessment (Short Physical Performance Battery), participant trials of the CATC prototype, semi-structured interviews, and completion of two questionnaires (Community Mobility Priorities and Life-Space Assessment). Data were analysed using rapid qualitative methods and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Five caregivers and three Veterans participated. All participants noted the potential of the CATC to allow them to resume participation in meaningful activities they have otherwise stopped or reduced. Room for improvement included (i) ease in traversing thresholds or uneven terrain, (ii) reduced weight for loading and unloading into a vehicle, and (iii) diminished choppy or jerky feeling described by caregiver participants when operating the CATC. CONCLUSIONS: All participants spoke of the potential for the CATC to expand the number and types of places they visit. Design and operability features noted for improvement are addressable in the next stage of design. Caregiver-targeted mobile technologies-like the CATC-have the potential to ease caregiver physical burden and allow for better navigation of community settings.