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  4. Efficacy of a Remote Train-the-Trainer Model for Wheelchair Skills Training Administered by Clinicians: A Cohort Study with Pre- vs. Post-Training Comparisons

Efficacy of a Remote Train-the-Trainer Model for Wheelchair Skills Training Administered by Clinicians: A Cohort Study with Pre- vs. Post-Training Comparisons

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2022 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.03.042 · Published: April 1, 2022

Assistive TechnologyRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether remote training can improve the confidence of clinicians in teaching wheelchair skills. It also examines if this training enhances the wheelchair skills and confidence of the individuals they train. The study involved a two-part remote training program for clinicians, focusing on skill acquisition and how to assess, train, and spot specific wheelchair skills. The results showed that remote training improved the confidence of clinicians in assessing and training wheelchair skills, and their trainees showed significant improvements in wheelchair-skills capacity and confidence.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
7 clinician trainers and 19 able-bodied trainees
Evidence Level
Cohort study with pre- vs post-training comparisons

Key Findings

  • 1
    Trainer confidence significantly increased for assessment and training after the remote training program.
  • 2
    Trainee capacity and confidence scores significantly increased after receiving training from the remotely-trained clinicians.
  • 3
    The majority of trainers and trainees found the training useful, relevant, easily tolerated, understandable, and enjoyable.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a remote train-the-trainer model for wheelchair skills training, focusing on improving both trainer confidence and trainee capacity and confidence. The results indicated that remote training enhances trainer confidence in assessing and training wheelchair skills and leads to significant improvements in the wheelchair skills and confidence of their trainees. The study suggests that remote training offers a valuable opportunity to increase clinician ability to learn and teach wheelchair skills, potentially improving community participation for wheelchair users.

Practical Implications

Improved Clinician Training

Remote training programs can effectively enhance clinicians' confidence and competence in teaching wheelchair skills.

Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Improved wheelchair skills training for clinicians translates to better outcomes for wheelchair users, increasing their capacity and confidence.

Greater Accessibility

Remote training models can overcome barriers such as cost, time, and travel, making wheelchair skills training more accessible to clinicians.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The study utilized a cohort design, lacking a control group to establish efficacy definitively.
  • 2
    Trainees were able-bodied, limiting the generalizability of the findings to wheelchair users.
  • 3
    The sample was primarily young, white, and female, which may not represent the broader population of clinicians.

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