Professionals Perspective of Prosthetic and Orthotic Services in Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The aim was to compare findings related to experiences of prosthetics and orthotic service delivery in Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Pakistan, from the perspective of local professionals.Method: In total 49 prosthetists/orthotists and prosthetic/orthotic technicians participated from four countries. A comparative analysis of the results of the three published papers was conducted. The analytical approach used was a second ordered concept analysis where subthemes, categories and conceptions were aggregated into themes.Results: Four common themes to Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Pakistan emerged; Low awareness and prioritising of prosthetic and orthotic services; Difficulty managing specific pathological conditions and problems with materials; Limited access to prosthetic and orthotic services available and The need for further education and desire for professional development. One theme was found to be unique to Sierra Leone; People with disabilities have low social status in Sierra Leone.Conclusion: The perspective of local professionals was that they had a sense of inability to deliver high-quality prosthetic and orthotic services. Educating prosthetic and orthotic professionals to a higher level and providing opportunities for professional development was desired. Low awareness and low priority on behalf of the government when it comes to prosthetic and orthotic services was identified as a barrier to providing effective rehabilitation. In Sierra Leone, people with a disability needed to be included to a greater extent and supported at different levels within families, communities, government, international organisations, and society in general. Traditional beliefs about the causes of impairment and difficulties in accessing services were identified as barriers to providing effective rehabilitation services.