PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS AND USER NEEDS FOR MODIFIED RIDE-ON CARS

Purpose: To identify parents’ perceptions and needs related to the use of modified ride-on cars (MROCs) for assisted mobility in children with motor delays. We hypothesized parents would have diverse opinions regarding barriers to using MROCs and identify a variety of functional and psychosocial needs as important factors.

Subjects: Seven parents with a child diagnosed with a disability or motor delay, between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.

Materials/Methods: All children were eligible to receive a MROC through the Go Baby Go! NEBRASKA! Program. Before receiving the MROC, parents engaged in interviews and shared their perceptions of barriers to and rated the importance of factors related to MROC usage. Interviews were recorded and transcribed by two independent researchers

Results: The majority of children had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (n=4). Five parents identified possible barriers to using the MROC. Two parents did not report any potential barriers. Factors parents rated as important in use included safety, durability, ease of use, adjustability, comfort, easy for child to use without assistance, ease of cleaning, transportability, ability to interact with peers, and assisting with daily activities.

Conclusions: Parents had varying perceptions of barriers to using MROCs. They identified functional and psychosocial needs as important factors.

Clinical Relevance: Our initial findings highlight that mobility technologies must go beyond their primary function to be effective. To design/ prescribe devices that meet users' needs, it’s crucial to understand those needs. Families might be more likely to use devices consistently if their perceptions and needs are addressed.