Provision of paediatric wheelchairs in low resource settings: a scoping review

Purpose Inadequate wheelchair provision in children can lead to delays in growth and development, poorer health, and decreased participation. Wheelchair provision for children can be challenging, especially in low-resource settings, due to limited resources. Therefore, the purpose of the scoping review was to gain an understanding of the current state of paediatric wheelchair provision in low resource settings and identify factors, strategies, and gaps that can lead to more successful wheelchair provision. Methods This scoping review used literature published after 2010, related to paediatric wheelchair provision in low resource settings. We searched online databases and grey literature and extracted data based on categories from the World Health Organisation Guidelines to wheelchair provision in low resource settings. Results 34 articles were used to identify and analyse common themes and successful strategies related to wheelchair provision for children in low resource settings. Aspects of paediatric wheelchair provision were mentioned in the literature but were rarely the focus. End-user outcomes were the least represented category in the literature. Conclusion Based on the currently available evidence the overall state of a wheelchair for children is inadequate. Improvements in design and production, personnel capacity, and service delivery systems are recommended to promote best practices. The lack of child-focussed wheelchair provision and end-user involvement in the research process urgently needs to be addressed.

Automated summary

Inadequate provision of wheelchairs for children in low-resource settings can have negative impacts on their growth, development, health, and participation. This scoping review aimed to understand the current state of paediatric wheelchair provision in low-resource settings and identify factors, strategies, and gaps that can lead to more successful provision. The findings highlight the need for improvements in design, production, personnel capacity, and service delivery systems, as well as the importance of child-focussed provision and end-user involvement in research.