About the research
On this page you'll find details of the Mobility for Life research, how it works, and what being involved looked like.
Mobility for Life is a research project. We want to understand what difference it makes when people get a power wheelchair earlier.
The research runs alongside the wheelchair provision. It won't delay anyone getting their equipment. Taking part is your choice.
What we want to find out
Overseas research shows that getting a power wheelchair earlier can help people stay independent, avoid injuries, and stay out of hospital. We want to know if the same is true here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The research looks at three main questions:
Do people with progressive conditions have better outcomes when they get a power wheelchair earlier?
Do those better outcomes lead to more independence over time?
Is earlier access to equipment a good use of funding in the long run?
What we learn will help shape how power wheelchairs are provided in future. It will also inform funding and policy decisions.
Who's doing the research
An independent research team runs the evaluation. Enable NZ has contracted them for this work.
They'll talk with:
People who get a power wheelchair through Mobility for Life.
Whānau and carers who support them.
Assessors and technical staff involved in the process.
The research team is separate from the clinical team. They don't make decisions about your care, equipment, or funding.
How the research works
The research uses an approach called activation mapping.
This looks at the difference a power wheelchair makes in your everyday life over time. It doesn't compare you to other people or other types of equipment.
If you take part, the research team will check in with you twice after you get your wheelchair:
About one month later
About six to nine months later
These check-ins are separate from the follow-up your assessor does.
What taking part looks like
If you're accepted onto Mobility for Life, the research team will get in touch. They'll explain what's involved and answer your questions.
You'll get an information sheet. The team will talk you through what you're agreeing to. You can:
Take part in all of the research
Take part in some of it
Not take part at all
Your choice won't affect the wheelchair or support you get.
Whānau, carers, assessors, and technical support staff may also be invited to share their experiences. It's their choice too.
How we use your information
The research looks at how Mobility for Life works as a whole. That includes:
The steps from referral through to fitting.
How well the equipment fits, and any changes needed.
The difference the power wheelchair makes for you and your whānau.
How well services work together.
We look at information across the whole project, not at individuals. No one is named in reports. The research is not a review of how assessors, clinicians, or technicians do their jobs.
Ethics and oversight
The research has ethical approval from the National Health and Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC). This is required because it involves interviews and follow-up over time.
The project also follows approved rules for clinical governance, data management, and privacy. It sits within the existing arrangements between the Ministry of Social Development and Enable NZ.
A few key principles guide the research:
Getting your wheelchair isn't delayed by the research
You won't feel pressured to take part
Your care and the research are kept separate
Equity is built in, including Māori consultation and a disability rights approach
Sharing what we learn
We'll share summary findings with:
People who took part.
Assessors and service providers.
Funders and sector groups.
No individuals will be identified.
What we learn will help improve how power wheelchairs are assessed, provided, and supported across Aotearoa New Zealand. It will help make services fairer and more effective in future.