Successfull combination of Meyra and Netti products

STEP 1: Clarify expectations and challenges

Focus on the expected functions:

• User was in need of a manual wheelchair for indoor use.
• At the same time the old Meyra iCHAIR needed to be replaced with a new Meyra iCHAIR MC3 power wheelchair.
• Both user, parents and caregivers want focus on sliding.
• A need for a reduction in the number of repositioning was needed.

Goals of dynamic seating

STEP 2: Observe and assess the user’s situation

What do I see? When do I see it? Why do I see it?

• The user has a spastic pattern with movement from both legs, hip and back.
• There is a leg length difference of the femur resulting in different seat depths (400 mm on the left side and 500 mm on the right side).
• The upper body is very stable and there is no need for a lot of support here.
• It has been found that there is a need for a better head support.
• The extension of the body leads to loss of optimum seating position and causes the user to slide out of the static wheelchair. This sliding creates increased shear- and pressure forces which can be create pressure ulcer over time.
• Body measurements like height, weight, seat width, seat depth and back height have been recorded.

STEP 3: Define seating strategy and set SMART goals

Use SMART – Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, Time

• Improve the current seating position to prevent sliding and the therefrom resulting risk for pressure ulcer.
• Stabilize and guide the flow of the involuntary movements.
• Reduce the load on the head and the neck. Check for tension and discomfort in the neck muscles after 1 month.
• By the iCHAIR MC3, we will be letting the force from the user's spastic movements go through a dynamic leg supports, which reduces the force on the back support and stabilizes the user.
• By the manual wheelchair, we are able to le the force go through both the back, seat and leg support which is an optimal solution. This will allow the user to move the back and hip into extension. Reduce the peak forces at the back and check for pain relieve at the spine in 1 month.
• We want to reduce the need for repositioning to relieving the burden on nursing staff and family.

STEP 5: Evaluate

Are the goals reached? Look at step 1 and step 3

Short term:

• The need for repositioning and the sliding in the chair has been reduced due to the dynamic functions that absorb the force from the user's spastic movements.

Long term:

• Improved skin protection through correct pelvic positioning and reduction of the risk of sliding.
• Mobility, secure transport possibility and participation in everyday life activities have been improved with the dynamic wheelchair system.

Find the Netti 5 Seating Steps guide here