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Effects of the WHO 8-step wheelchair-service-delivery process on wheelchair users in El Salvador: a cohort study.

Authors :
Garcia-Mendez, Yasmin
D'Innocenzo, Megan
Pearlman, Jonathan
Vásquez-Gabela, Stephanie
Rosen, Perth
Rodriguez-Funes, Maria-Virginia
Kirby, R. Lee
Mhatre, Anand
Source :
Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. Jul2024, Vol. 19 Issue 5, p2076-2087. 12p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

To test the hypotheses that, after the delivery of manual wheelchairs following the WHO 8-step service-delivery process, wheelchair-related health and quality of life, wheelchair skills, wheelchair use, and poverty probability would improve; and that the number of wheelchair repairs required, adverse events, caregiver burden, and the level of assistance provided would decrease. This was a longitudinal, prospective within-subject study including 247 manual wheelchair users, and 119 caregivers, in El Salvador who received a wheelchair following the WHO 8-step process as well as maintenance reminders. Outcome measurements were performed via structured questionnaires and dataloggers at the initial assessment, at wheelchair delivery, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Significant improvements in wheelchair-related health indicators (all with p < 0.004) and quality of life (p = 0.001), and a significant reduction in national and "extreme" poverty probability (p = 0.004 and p = 0.012) were observed by six months. Wheelchair use significantly decreased (p = 0.011 and p = 0.035) and wheelchair skills increased (p = 0.009). Caregiver burden did not change (p = 0.226) but the number of activities of daily living (ADLs) that required no assistance significantly increased (p = 0.001) by three months and those who required complete assistance decreased (p = 0.001). No changes were observed in wheelchair repairs (p = 0.967) and breakdowns over time with new wheelchairs. Wheelchair service delivery using the WHO 8-step process on manual wheelchair users in El Salvador has positive effects on health and quality of life, wheelchair skills, caregiver assistance levels, and poverty. Further research is needed to determine the relative contributions of the intervention components. Providing manual wheelchairs using the 8-step process of the WHO has benefits on health and quality of life, wheelchair skills, caregiver assistance levels, and poverty. The WHO 8-steps service delivery process for manual wheelchairs can be used in less-resourced settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17483107
Volume :
19
Issue :
5
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
178232883
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2256808