1 Introduction 1 What is short-term wheelchair loan and why is it important? 3 Policy context 4 Opportunities for change 7 2 Methods 9 Research aims and methods 9 Identification and selection of case study participants 9 Case studies 10 Health care professional interviews 10 contents Analysis 10 3 Case studies 11 Ronald, South Yorkshire 12 Sameena, Nottinghamshire 14 Ashleigh, Cornwall 16 Melvyn, Dorset 18 Laura, Nottinghamshire 20 Holly, Yorkshire 22 Janis, Cumbria 24 Joanne, Kent 26 Margaret, South Yorkshire 28 Key themes 30 4 Recommendations 32 References 34 Appendices 36 Appendix A: Numbers of selected participants 36 Appendix B: Screening interview schedule 37 Appendix C: Wheelchair user interview (case studies) 38 Appendix D: Health care professional interview 40 Appendix E: Note on definitions and calculations 42 iii