The review collates and summarizes available research literature on wheelchair service provision education for healthcare professional students, healthcare personnel, and educators. Here are the key takeaways and actionable steps for practitioners:
Key Findings
- There is a significant gap in the integration of wheelchair-related content into the curricula of professional rehabilitation programs globally.
- The most frequently reported training programs used were the Wheelchair Skills Program and the World Health Organization Wheelchair Service Training Package – Basic Level.
- Limited information has been published about the integration of wheelchair content into the curricula of professional rehabilitation programs.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
1. Utilize Existing Training Programs
Consider implementing established training programs such as the Wheelchair Skills Program and the WHO Wheelchair Service Training Package. These programs have shown effectiveness in various settings and can provide a structured approach to enhancing your skills.2. Advocate for Curriculum Integration
If you are in an academic or training role, advocate for the integration of wheelchair service provision content into your institution's curriculum. Highlight the importance of this training in preparing competent rehabilitation professionals.3. Engage in Continuous Learning
Stay updated with the latest research and training materials. Engage in continuous learning through online courses, workshops, and professional development programs.4. Build International Partnerships
Collaborate with international partners to share resources, knowledge, and best practices. This can help overcome barriers such as limited human and physical resources, especially in low- and middle-income countries.5. Conduct Further Research
Contribute to the body of research by conducting studies on the effectiveness of various training programs and methods. This can help in developing more robust and evidence-based training materials.Conclusion
The scoping review underscores the need for a competent workforce in wheelchair service provision and the importance of integrating this content into professional rehabilitation programs. By taking the actionable steps outlined above, practitioners can enhance their skills, contribute to the development of competent professionals, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals requiring wheelchair services.To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Wheelchair service provision education for healthcare professional students, healthcare personnel and educators across low- to high-resourced settings: a scoping review
