Experiences of providing prosthetic and orthotic services in Sierra Leone - the local staff's perspective
Author
Summary, in English
In Sierra Leone, West Africa, there are many people with disabilities in need of rehabilitation services after a long civil war. Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of prosthetic and orthotic service delivery in Sierra Leone from the local staff's perspective. Method: Fifteen prosthetic and orthotic technicians working at all the rehabilitation centres providing prosthetic and orthotic services in Sierra Leone were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to latent content analysis. Results: One main theme emerged: sense of inability to deliver high-quality prosthetic and orthotic services. This main theme was generated from eight sub-themes: Desire for professional development; appraisals of work satisfaction and norms; patients neglected by family; limited access to the prosthetic and orthotic services available; problems with materials and machines; low public awareness concerning disabilities; marginalisation in society and low priority on the part of government. Conclusions: The findings illustrated traditional beliefs about the causes of disability and that the public's attitude needs to change to include and value people with disabilities. Support from international organisations was considered necessary as well as educating more prosthetic and orthotic staff to a higher level.
Department/s
Publishing year
2012
Language
English
Pages
2111-2118
Publication/Series
Disability and Rehabilitation
Volume
34
Issue
24
Full text
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Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Topic
- Other Medical Sciences not elsewhere specified
Keywords
- Africa
- assistive device
- assistive technology
- developing country
- low-income country
- orthotic
- prosthetic
- Sierra Leone
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0963-8288