Wheelchair Service Provision

The systematic process of assessing, fitting, providing, and following up on wheelchair users to ensure they receive appropriate mobility devices matched to their individual needs, environment, and lifestyle. The WHO has established guidelines and training packages for wheelchair service provision that include user assessment, prescription, fitting, user training, and maintenance. In low- and middle-income countries, wheelchair provision faces significant challenges including reliance on donated or mass-imported chairs that may not suit local conditions, shortage of trained personnel, and lack of follow-up services. Innovations such as 3D-printed bespoke components and user-centred assessment tools are emerging to address these gaps and improve the quality and appropriateness of wheelchair provision globally.