Purpose: This paper critically reviews and reflects on the processes for providing Assistive Technology (AT) services to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The aim is to investigate the AT service delivery systems in these countries and suggest improvements where weaknesses are identified.
Materials And Methods: We carried out a descriptive qualitative exploratory study in Bangladesh, India and Nepal by conducting key informant interviews with policymakers (5), AT service providers (22) and mobility and hearing related AT service users (21). We used a directed content analysis approach guided by a seven-point AT service delivery process model to thematically analyse the existing processes for AT service delivery, from first contact through to follow-up and maintenance.
Results: AT service delivery processes are sub-optimal in all three countries, and improvements are needed. No common AT service delivery process was found, although there are common features. In general, it is easier for PWDs in India and Nepal to access AT than for those in Bangladesh, but all three countries are failing to live up to their commitments to uphold the human rights of PWDs.
Conclusions: Although good elements of AT service delivery processes can be identified, the systems in all three countries are fragmented and generally weak. A more holistic approach of looking at the process of AT service delivery, from first contact right through to follow-up and device maintenance, with a single door service delivery system, free of cost at the point of service is recommended in these countries. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAlthough we found significant weaknesses in AT delivery in all three countries, there are some good AT service delivery practices and opportunities for these countries to learn from one another.A systematic and stepwise approach to assessing current AT service delivery processes in the three countries - examining the delivery system as a whole, from initiation to repair and management - can help identify opportunities to improve the process for (prospective) AT users.A more coherent single door system of AT service delivery will increase the quality and efficiency of the fragmented AT service delivery practices in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2022.2087769 | DOI Listing |
JACC Heart Fail
January 2025
Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Data from large-scale, randomized, controlled trials demonstrate that contemporary treatments for heart failure (HF) can substantially improve morbidity and mortality. Despite this, observed outcomes for patients living with HF are poor, and they have not improved over time. The are many potential reasons for this important problem, but inadequate use of optimal medical therapy for patients with HF, an important component of guideline-directed medical therapy, in routine practice is a principal and modifiable contributor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Wound Care
January 2025
Nursing and Health Care, School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University, Waterford City, Ireland.
Objective: Wound management can be costly and challenging to the health services' scarce resources. Information regarding the number of wounds in a community care setting and their associated aetiology will provide nurses and nurse managers with an insight into the specific needs of these clients with wounds and highlight areas where care or services can be improved or further developed. This research aimed to establish the prevalence and aetiology of wounds, the current delivery of wound care, wound documentation and referral pathways in an Irish community care setting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDisabil Rehabil Assist Technol
January 2025
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
The wheelchair service delivery process (SDP) is a large complex system and therefore has many potential points of failure; determining priorities for improvement is challenging. The complexities introduce several barriers to accessing and maintaining wheelchairs for individuals with mobility impairments. Given the breadth and depth of the barriers, it is important to know in which areas to focus future policy reform efforts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Open Diabetes Res Care
December 2024
The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Victoria, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
Introduction: This analysis aimed to investigate diabetes-specific psychological outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using hybrid closed-loop (HCL) versus standard therapy.
Research Design And Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, adults with T1D were allocated to 26 weeks of HCL (MiniMed™ 670G) or standard therapy (insulin pump or multiple daily injections without real-time continuous glucose monitoring). Psychological outcomes (awareness and fear of hypoglycemia; and diabetes-specific positive well-being, diabetes distress, diabetes treatment satisfaction, and diabetes-specific quality of life (QoL)) were measured at enrollment, mid-trial and end-trial.
Health Expect
February 2025
Department of Health Management, Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Türkiye.
Background: Health news refers to media coverage that informs the public about health-related issues, policies and healthcare systems, shaping public perception and understanding. While prior research has examined media's impact on public health behaviour, limited studies have focused on how perceptions of health news affect attitudes towards healthcare professionals, especially in the context of violence against them. This study addresses this gap, examining the mediating role perception of health news on the relationship between distrust in healthcare systems and intentions to use violence against healthcare professionals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!