An impact assessment and critical appraisal of the ISO standard for wheelchair vocabulary

Wheelchairs are, for users, a primary means of mobility and an important means of performing activities of daily living. A common, accepted vocabulary is required to support and foster evidence-based practice and communication amongst professionals and with users. The international standard for wheelchair vocabulary, ISO 7176-26:2007, specifies terms and definitions with the purpose of eliminating confusion from the duplication or inappropriate use of terms. The aim of this study was to assess its impact and, based on that assessment, critically appraise the standard.Two databases were searched returning 189 and 283 unique articles with wheelchair in the title published between 2004–2006 and 2009–2011 respectively. Compliance, based on title and abstract usage, was poor, ranging from 0 to 50% correct usage, with no significant difference between pre- and post-publication. A review of prescription forms found only 9% correct usage. A survey of NHS wheelchair managers found that only 30% were positive that they had a copy despite 67% agreeing that the standard is important.The ISO wheelchair vocabulary standard was found not to be achieving its stated purpose. It is recommended that it be revised taking into account the findings of this study including the need for targeted dissemination and increased awareness.