Affiliations: Developmental Pediatrics, Madigan Army Medical Center,
Tacoma, WA, USA | Spectrum Research, Tacoma, WA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Dawn Peredo, M.D., Wilford Hall
Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, 59 MCCS/SGOBP, 2200 Bergquist Drive,
STE 1, Lackland AFB, TX 78236, USA. Tel.: +1 210 292 6805; Fax: +1 210 292
0003; E-mail: dawn@peredos.com
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the use of medical equipment by children
with disabilities, the reasons for use, and prescribers of equipment. Methods: A convenience sample. Setting: Referral clinic for children with developmental conditions.
Participants: Caregivers of children with motor disabilities
completed an interview survey for children 0–21 years. Results: 108 parents/caregivers reported 467 (mean=4.3 per patient)
pieces of owned equipment. The mean age of children was 7.1 years (±
5.0), and 49% were female. The most common diagnoses were cerebral palsy (45%),
'Other' diagnoses including intellectual disability (19%), genetic abnormality
(13%), spina bifida (13%), and neuromuscular diseases (7%). Survey participants
described use of the following types of equipment: orthotics (82%), bath chair
(37%), seating device (34%), stander (19%), augmentative communication devices
(17%), walker (14%), and gait trainer (10%). Reasons for "non-use" of equipment
included: outgrown (19%), not useful (14%), and child refusal (15%). Physicians
were the sole prescriber for 15% of families, whereas physical or occupational
therapists most commonly recommended new equipment (76%). Conclusion: Based on parental report, children with neuromuscular
disabilities use most equipment that is medically recommended. The majority of
equipment needs are identified by therapists. Pediatricians can benefit from
additional expertise in the provision of medical equipment for children.
Keywords: Medical equipment, children with disabilities, assistive technology, use of medical equipment, cerebral palsy
