The Current Status of Cane Selection by Care Managers: Qualitative Research Using SCAT

Abstract

[Purpose] To analyze and clarify the current situation of the process by which care managers select walking aids, based on interviews. [Participants and Methods] Five care managers at an in-home care support office registered in City A were interviewed in focus groups using semi-structured interviews, and the contents were analyzed qualitatively. [Results] Four concepts were extracted: Criteria for deciding whether a cane is necessary, Checkpoints when selecting a cane, Follow-up after the introduction of a cane, and Concerns from selecting a cane to using a cane. [Conclusion] Care managers select a walking aid cane based on information from various professions, while taking into account the subject’s gait observation, the subject’s wishes and the environment, suggesting the need for intervention by rehabilitation specialists from selection to follow-up.