Policy implementation in wheelchair service delivery in a rural South African setting
Date
2013-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
Background: Wheelchairs allow users to realise basic human rights and improved quality of
life. South African and international documents guide rehabilitation service delivery and thus
the provision of wheelchairs. Evidence indicates that rehabilitation policy implementation
gaps exist in rural South Africa.
Objectives: The aim of this article was to explore the extent to which wheelchair service
delivery in a rural, remote area of South Africa was aligned with the South African National
Guidelines on Provision of Assistive Devices, The United Nations Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities and The World Health Organization Guidelines on Provision of
Wheelchairs in Less-Resourced Settings.
Method: Qualitative methods were used. Data were collected through semi-structured
interviews with 22 participants who were identified through purposive sampling. Content
analysis of data was preformed around the construct of wheelchair service delivery.
Results: Study findings identified gaps between the guiding documents and wheelchair
service delivery. Areas where gaps were identified included service aspects such as referral,
assessment, prescription, user and provider training, follow up, maintenance and repair
as well as management aspects such as staff support, budget and monitoring. Positive
findings related to individual assessments, enthusiastic and caring staff and the provision of
wheelchairs at no cost.
Conclusion: The gaps in policy implementation can have a negative impact on users and
the service provider. Inappropriate or no wheelchairs limit user function, participation and
quality of life. In addition, an inappropriate wheelchair will have a shorter lifespan, requiring
frequent repairs and replacements with cost implications for the service provider.
Description
CITATION: Visagie, S., Scheffler, E. & Schneider, M. 2013. Policy implementation in wheelchair service delivery in a rural South African setting. African Journal of Disability, 2(1): 1-9, doi: 10.4102/ajod.v2i1.63.
The original publication is available at http://www.ajod.org
The original publication is available at http://www.ajod.org
Keywords
Wheelchairs -- South Africa, People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa
Citation
Visagie, S., Scheffler, E. & Schneider, M. 2013. Policy implementation in wheelchair service delivery in a rural South African setting. African Journal of Disability, 2(1): 1-9, doi: 10.4102/ajod.v2i1.63