Synergistical assistance - combining artefactual and human assistive resources to reach desired outcomes.

Purpose: Assistance from artefacts and humans are traditionally viewed as separate, and it is often up to the individual to try to combine the different kinds of assistance to suit their needs and preferences. The purpose of this study was to gain new insights into the co-existence of and synergies between artefactual and human assistance in the everyday lives of persons with physical and cognitive impairments, through exploring and analysing narratives of individuals who have first-hand knowledge and experience.

Methods: Seven individuals took part in semi-structured interviews, which were then analysed with qualitative content analysis, grounded in cultural-historical activity theory.

Use of active wheelchairs in everyday life: experiences among experienced users of active ultra lightweight rigid frame wheelchairs.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the everyday life experience of being an experienced active wheelchair user in Sweden.

Method: A qualitative approach, based on interviews, was chosen. Eleven active wheelchair users were interviewed; the results analysed by means of a thematic content analysis.