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Client, needs assessor and agency-related factors predicting allocation of electric scooters to community-dwelling elderly in The Netherlands: a vignette study

Purpose: To determine what client factors predict allocation of an electric scooter and to determine what needs assessor and agency factors explain variation in decision-making by long-term care needs assessors concerning clients requesting electric scooters. Method: Hypothetical case vignettes were sent to needs assessors allocating services for the elderly, and questionnaires were used to obtain organizational and individual needs assessor data. Multilevel logistic regression analysis provided random and fixed effects. Results: The decision whether or not to allocate an electric scooter was influenced primarily by the clients' driving safety, their disabilities and whether or not there were possibilities to stall the electric scooter. Transportation goals and the clients' activity level were not taken into account. There was some random variation on the level of needs assessors. Conclusions: A system whereby all clients who request an electric scooter, have disabilities that limit mobility, have shown to be safe drivers and have a shed to stall the scooter are allocated a scooter may be more appropriate in maintaining elderly persons' independence and preventing social isolation. Regular evaluation afterwards and extra driving lessons may prevent allocation of scooters to clients who do not use them.