COULD CHANGES IN THE WHEELCHAIR DELIVERY SYSTEM IMPROVE SAFETY

Despite emerging evidence about the high incidence and severity of whe elchair related injuries, regulations governing wheelchair safety are almost nonexistent in Canada. The authors believe that to improve whee lchair safety a concerted effort by government, manufacturers, purchas ing groups, users and clinician is needed. Health Canada's Health Prot ection Branch should treat wheelchairs as medical devices (as defined in the Food and Drugs Act 1985) and improve their educational material s and formalize postmarketing surveillance. Purchasing groups should t ry to ensure that they do not stifle innovation in wheelchair design b y setting unrealistic reimbursement ceilings and should use their mark et power more effectively. Users should obtain their wheelchairs in sp ecialized settings, heed safety warnings and make more effective use o f litigation when such action is warranted. clinicians should ensure t hat patients are equipped with the most appropriate wheelchair for the ir needs, that they are given adequate training in safe wheelchair use and that they understand the dangers involved. Rapid changes in wheel chair technology and emerging evidence about the high incidence and se verity of injuries related to wheelchair use suggest that such changes are needed in the wheelchair delivery system.