Table 2.

Initial Themes from Note-taker at the Focus Groups

Marketing Safety device may motivate administrators to allow powered wheelchairs TV; internet; $2000–3000 [Price point] Weather-proofed; spill-proofed Automatically lowers speed Small size; make it portable Universal port Should be able to be used anywhere in facilities, hospitals, house $50 Perhaps put on new wheelchairs Just something basic, simple- if it’s too complicated then its uncomfortable People need to believe in its effectiveness What it’s telling me “has to be straightforward” Should be a vital part of the machine- should not be bought separately from the wheelchair Small size as possible for transport Doubt if this device would be bought individually unless covered by insurance App should ping Light weight; shock absorbent; what it’s made up of; not too loose to lose connectivity; deeply embedded Comfort Just blend in Accessible Full monitoring system Safety Whole concept is embarrassing to older adults who need to be monitored Can go anywhere, used in all facilities Advertised online, mobility stores Sell on Amazon, Medical Equipment company Make sure it’s not a safety hazard; shouldn’t make it uncomfortable Shut down if it keeps malfunctioning Make sure it’s safe Should be able to be used anywhere in facilities, hospitals, house Market it to families or facilities	Who gets Data Data given to administration “to take away subjectivity” Print it out, alert caregiver Daughter Someone in the nurses’ station Someone in authority (administrator) to review information??? Continuous record that could be reviewed by a third party (Physical therapy) reviews the information!!
	Uses Improved safety, reduce injuries Used by people who are cognizant, can legally make decisions Backing out of elevators Wide enough sweep to make it into the room Cruise control
	Training Patient & management should be trained Week for caregivers; more for wheelchair users Will prevent burnout Make sure you know how to use it
	Repairs: Caregivers don’t’ want to repair, limited for liability reasons Concerns: if resident is stubborn, won’t use it Independent person to maintain the device Should be dependable “not me”- someone in the building who knows how to use computer
	Concerns: Not much practicality Don’t like ‘big brother’ Not hard to use Not embarrassing Not prone to malfunction Can’t see the value Focus on operator not the machine I don’t see much use for it- better for golf carts Equivalent to what is currently in place- person asked to stop driving if they fall, hurt others, damage walls, scuff marks Should be powered like a wheelchair If person can access it, may keep it from being reliable Could be things that need to be navigated around which might affect the readings Invasion of privacy If hurricane comes you need back-up solar power Afraid of false readings Automatically lowers speed Use correctly Only those who need it- don’t promote laziness Need an evaluation- Perhaps age cut-off or dementia
Placement: Not hanging off; not near motor; not accessible; not close to battery Device embedded into wheelchair should be separately monitored Partner with the wheelchair company or monitoring organization Easy access Not hanging off; not near motor; not accessible; not close to battery Device embedded into wheelchair should be separately monitored Partner with the wheelchair company or monitoring organization Have it built in vs more stuff on wheelchairs Bottom; back, fit in bed of truck Put in back of wheelchair Easy access Weather-proofed; spill-proofed They know about it but don’t have access