Prioritisation of Waiting List

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Lets say we have 10 children of a same age and only 5 suitable wheelchairs. What are the most appropriate factors to consider when determining which children get the wheelchairs and which have to wait?

[Anonymous]

Even though the children are the same age, it is very likely that there are many differences among them, some examples: body dimensions, postural needs, living situation, schooling situation, transportation needs. If you have in this group children that have come from far away to receive a new wheelchair and one of the available ones is appropriate to the child, that could be one of the prioritization criteria. In the meantime for the children and families that will be placed in the waiting list, you may provide training in 24 hour postural care so the child can be positioned in different manners throughout the day that allow him/her to interact/play/learn while protecting the body from distorsions.

Can you share with the community what factors do you take into consideration to make this decision?

[[email protected]]

Thank you, firstly we would assess all of the children and determine the required sizes and required types of wheelchair, in terms of level of postural support. We would then cross check what is available and what is needed. –

If we know more wheelchairs are coming, we can consider who has travelled the farthest and give them priority, and indeed also put the remaining children into a wheelchair waiting list. Further from that, priority for the posture control wheelchairs would be given to those with most complex needs first, and of course, in the right size. The more able bodied would be the lower priority, in terms of the postural control wheelchairs.

Of course chairs that offer less support would be given to children with perhaps the greatest chance for independent mobility / self propulsion.

We also consider if they are in school / potentially active in the community and where the wheelchair will be used.

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