Dear AT Practitioners,
To support you in safe quality practice, SWEP would like to highlight a recent report on "Mobility scooter related injuries and deaths" published in May 2019 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, available here.
While the benefits of scooters for mobility and quality of life are well documented, this report offers an evidence-based review of mobility scooter related injuries and deaths. It includes data relating to pedestrian injury and collision, as well as falls from a mobility scooter that required hospital admission.
By better understanding the risks and factors that may contribute to adverse events during mobility scooter use, AT practitioners can
- better support consumers to make informed choices about their mobility aids and devices
- complete thorough assessment of risk factors and how they may translate to the individual consumer
- balance the risk of injury and death with the human and occupational rights of a person to have mobility and participate in meaningful activities
- put strategies in place to prepare for any risks that present, such as adequate training and support on delivery of the item
- plan and follow through with review to ensure that changing needs over time are considered in decision making
Regards
Donna Markham
Chief Allied Health Officer
