National priority assistive product list development in low resource countries: lessons learned from Tajikistan

Abstract

Introduction

Developing a national assistive products list is an important part of an assistive technology policy and requires knowledge of total population need, and product costs and benefits; information is not always readily available in low-income countries. Our experience in Tajikistan of developing a national assistive products list provides guidance for others.

Methods

Two hundred people with disabilities participated in a survey on self-reported need for assistive products, user experiences and barriers to access; 12 focus groups, of over 100 people with disabilities and older adults, conducted discussions on assistive technology. Major providers of assistive technology (government, nongovernmental organizations, local producers) were interviewed.

Results

These results were presented at a meeting with government and other stakeholders, which led to a consensus on 30 assistive products for the national assistive products list.

Conclusion

We identified the essential stakeholders responsible for developing the assistive products list, and discussed the data needed (total need, cost-effectiveness, unmet need, resources, barriers, system analysis) to make an informed decision on which products to include. This work can be used as a case study for developing an assistive products list quickly on a small budget without compromising on a user-centred approach or active participation of stakeholders.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Incorporating rehabilitation and assistive technology in universal health coverage.

• Establishing and strengthening networks and partnerships in rehabilitation and building on existing resources (stakeholders, knowledge, government policy documents) to strengthen rehabilitation and assistive technology particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

• Developing a national assistive products list is an important part of an assistive technology policy.

• Creating a national assistive products list requires knowledge of population need, and product costs and benefits; information that is not always readily available in low-income countries.

• In this article, we identify the essential stakeholders responsible for developing the assistive products list and the data needed for informed decisions.

• We demonstrate that developing an assistive products list can be carried out quickly and on a small budget.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• cost–benefit analysis
• disabled persons
• low-income countries
• self-help devices
• Tajikistan

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions made to this study by all people who were interviewed and shared their experiences and knowledge about assistive technology in Tajikistan. The authors would also like to acknowledge the driving force behind the Tajikistan work – the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Republic of Tajikistan.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

World Health Organization work in Tajikistan on strengthening of access to rehabilitation services and assistive technology is ongoing and is financially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).