VIDEO: WHO releases new wheelchair provision guidelines to support people with limited mobility
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new wheelchair provision guidelines, which were developed in collaboration with the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics and the International Society of Wheelchair Providers.
WHO states that the wheelchair provision guidelines aim to support improved access to appropriate wheelchairs, for all those in need, including children, older people, people with mobility disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions. The guidelines, it states, are relevant for all countries and apply to all wheelchair users and types of wheelchairs.
The guidelines emphasize that the best outcomes in wheelchair access occur when wheelchair users have the benefit of wheelchair selection following an individual process of assessment, fitting, training and follow up, provided by appropriately trained personnel.
It is understood that this requires effective wheelchair provision systems that are integrated within health and other sectors, inclusive of effective referral networks and will likely require task-shifting and other strategies to mobilize the required workforce.
Other recommendations include making sure that wheelchair provision roles are performed by people who have role-specific competencies and that wheelchair provision performance should be measured and evaluated to inform ongoing strengthening of people-centred, equitable access to appropriate wheelchairs.
Ultimately, the purpose of these guidelines, it states, is to ensure that wheelchair users have timely access through wheelchair services that are people-centred and responsive to their needs.
According to the World Health Organization, an appropriate wheelchair is essential to ensure physical and mental health and development, function, participation and inclusion.
Quality wheelchair provision, WHO states, is globally uneven and access to appropriate wheelchairs for many is a significant challenge.
It states that multiple barriers exist, resulting in wheelchair users either not having a wheelchair, or accessing one without trained guidance, potentially receiving an inappropriate wheelchair with the associated risks.
And yet, WHO has estimated 80 million people are likely to require a wheelchair to assist their mobility, with this number set to grow as the global population ages and other trends such as an increase in chronic health conditions continue.
Watch the video below to learn more about how the WHO wheelchair provision guidelines were developed.
