Developing country-specific wheelchair service provision strategic plans for Romania and the Philippines

Abstract

Background: Achieving appropriate wheelchair provision at a national level is complex, requiring regulations, funding and policies established through governments. Understanding wheelchair provision within different countries is key. This paper describes the process used to support the development of wheelchair service strategic plans in Romania and the Philippines. It considers the influences, meaning, challenges and developments when producing strategic priorities within two different contexts.

Methods: The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) sponsored affiliates Motivation Foundation Romania and the Philippine Society of Wheelchair Philippine Society of Wheelchair Professionals (PSWP), to conduct organizational ethnographic mixed method stakeholder centred studies, to develop robust strategic plans. An affiliate coordinator for wheelchair provision in less resourced settings supported this process.

Results: Diversity between the two-affiliate sites was evident, influencing value placed within both societies towards equality and participation. Common components to address included: advocacy; wheelchair service infrastructure; capacity building; education; training and research. Research process facilitation supported by affiliate coordinator is important.

Conclusion: Understanding contextual dimensions, which sharp a countries wheelchair service, is essential. Member states should take action by conducting in-country wheelchair sector analysis, to create wheelchair provision strategies for sustainable development, to meet personal posture and mobility needs, primary for daily living, as a basic human right.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Understanding the complexity of providing appropriate wheelchairs within different countries is essential to meet the diverse needs of citizens.

• Conducting situational analysis of the wheelchair sector involving key stakeholders in the process is important to understand different perspectives and develop strategic priorities towards sustainable development.

• Producing context specific wheelchair sector reports and strategic plans strengthens the evidence base when informing governments regarding the importance of developing sustainable wheelchair provision infrastructures.

• The affiliate coordinator role is important to support affiliates to produce robust documentation that clearly and objectively outlines the wheelchair sector issues and plans, to provide solutions.

KEYWORDS:

• Wheelchair provision
• context
• situational analysis
• less resourced settings
• strategic planning
• mixed methods
• human rights

Disclosure statement

Lead author Dr Rosemary Joan Gowran was employed as a consultant affiliate co-ordinator for wheelchair provision in less resourced settings and this publication was produced as part of this pilot project. In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and my ethical obligation as a researcher, I am reporting that I was employed as a consultant by the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals to support affiliate countries. I have disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and I have in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from that involvement.

Additional information

Funding

This publication was produced by International Society of Wheelchair Professionals and University of Pittsburgh, agreement number APC-GM-0068 through Advancing Partners & Communities (APC), a cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Agreement No. AID-OAA-A-12-00047, beginning October 1, 2012.