A study on the architectural modifications made at the home for wheelchair bound paraplegic patients

Date of Completion

1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Architectural Accessibility, Wheelchairs, Disability Studies

Abstract

The main purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the architectural modifications made for wheelchair-bound paraplegic patients to provide improved access at home. Self-made questionnaire was distributed to 15 respondents from 10 affiliation centers in Metro Manila chosen through simple quota sampling. The instrument was translated into Tagalog. Data were gathered and interpreted using frequency percentage and mean. It showed, among others, the low occurrence of architectural modifications undertaken by the subjects even with on-site assessments and recommendations was only an average of 37% of the total. It was observed that low-cost, low-effort modifications were implemented by the subjects at a much higher rate than those involving higher cost. This indicates that a patient's financial capability is a major determinant in determining its implementation and works in conjunction with proper patient education undertaken by a competent health professional. Based on the result of the study, the authors recommend the following: Health Care Professionals, to ensure a greater chance for compliance to architectural modification recommendations must place emphasis on how the existing home environment can be modified minimally, in a most cost-efficient manner to meet the basic functional requirements of more costly ones. Home Assessment Questionnaires, while a cost-effective tool in Architectural Modification Therapy must always be validated by on-site visits and the resulting recommendations must be thoroughly discussed and adapted with and to the patient's family. A separate behavioral study be undertaken to look at the different factors affecting the decision to undertake architectural modifications for the patient. Knowledge that will be gained from such study will ensure the success of future architectural modification programs

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