Objectives To describe the development of a Wheelchair Repair Registry from large datasets in order to attain an understanding of wheelchair failures and service repairs. Design Guidelines for registry development were applied and anchored around Labor Tracker, a web-based information management system for wheelchair suppliers to manage and track wheelchair repairs. The registry was designed using Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) allowing for rapid data queries from multiple dimensions that enables complex data analysis and discovery. Setting The Wheelchair Repair Registry was developed through an industry and academic collaboration whereby repair data were collected in the field, entered into the Labor Tracker system, deidentified, transferred to the registry and made available for analyses. Participants Wheelchair supplier service technicians reported data from repair services provided to individuals who use power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs and scooters. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Wheelchair failure and repair data including variables related to scheduling, equipment information (e.g., manufacturer, model, serial number, purchase date), labor, parts and reasons for repairs. Results The Wheelchair Repair Registry has been developed to analyze wheelchair repairs and failures from the Labor Tracker system. Currently, the registry has over 60,000 repairs conducted on more than 5000 wheelchair devices from 25 manufacturers. The devices include 60% power wheelchairs, 35% manual wheelchairs, and 5% scooters. Conclusions The Wheelchair Repair Registry creates opportunities to apply large-data analytic methodologies that will serve to inform quality standards, practice, equipment selection, preventative maintenance routines, product design, and policy.
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