The prevalence of the need for wheelchairs increases as the population ages. This capstone project involves the creation of an evidence-based pictorial manual describing the process for wheelchair procurement. Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers who are expert in the evaluation and recommendation of wheelchairs are no longer participating in the Medicare procurement process due to the competitive bidding contract that went into effect on July 1, 2016. This places adults who are aging in a position of working with dealers who do not understand the importance of taking appropriate measurements and fitting the components to match a person’s needs. The manual is designed for occupational therapists working with Medicare beneficiaries receiving manual wheelchairs, power mobility devices, general purpose seat cushions, and back supports that fall into the competitive bidding category. This manual will utilize evidence-based literature and experiences to provide the occupational therapist with a tool for providing optimal intervention for wheelchair and seating procurement.
