What is it about?
A scoping review of wheelchair service provision education and training for personnel in lower and lower middle income countries (LLMIC) was conducted (1993-2017). Results show that inconsistency exists regarding personnel responsible for wheelchair provision, with no specific professional clearly recognized to oversee the system within many LLMIC. Education and training is required for all stakeholders involved in wheelchair provision. Advocating for programme development to enhance personnel skills, build capacity and ensure best practice is a priority. Pilot sites, delivering and credentialing appropriate wheelchair provision education and training within context should be considered. Measuring outcomes and transferable skills should be part of education programme delivery structures. Considering a new discipline responsible for oversight of wheelchair provision should be investigated.
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Why is it important?
Education and training is an essential step in the wheelchair provision process in the bid to obtain an appropriate wheelchair via appropriate provision services. However, it is more than education and training; its a human rights issue. The study raises awareness as to the importance of working with governments to commit to building sustainable wheelchair provision infrastructures.
Perspectives
I hope this article it useful to all those involved and interested in advancing education and training for people involved in wheelchair and seating provision services, assisting when planning and advocating for future development. The article shows that there have been many developments to enhance education and training, however many inconsistencies exist, making it difficult to build capacity to ensure people who require a wheelchair are receiving an appropriate wheelchair.
Rosemary Gowran
University of Limerick
I hope this article highlights the importance and need for mandatory education and training of personnel involved in wheelchair service provision. Wheelchair provision is a complex process that requires appropriately trained individuals to ensure wheelchair users receive an appropriate wheelchair that meets their postural and contextual needs. Inappropriate wheelchair provision could have serious implications.
Lisa McSweeney
University of Limerick
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Wheelchair service provision education and training in low and lower middle income countries: a scoping review, Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology, November 2017, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1392621.
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