Barriers influencing orthotic provision in developing countries of South East Asia
Anderson¹, Brentnall² and Cooper³,
The Crippled Childrens' Association of South Australia1 (1),
Ballarat Health Services (2),
National Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics, LaTrobe University (3).
The aim of this project was to identify barriers faced by clinicians working in these countries, the secondary aim to this was to make recommendations and initiate further research. Barriers were revealed and recommendations that have been formed are to a large extent currently being carried out in these countries. Breaking down these barriers will not occur without increased awareness, research and assistance.
There are many people with disabilities in developing countries that are not provided with " even the most rudimentary rehabilitation services" (Cambodia Trust, 2001). Research to date has focused primarily on prosthetic provision and there is scarce information available regarding orthotic services in these countries (Pupulin, 2001).
The aim of this project was to discover barriers influencing orthotic provision in the developing countries of South East Asia. Based on these findings, the secondary aim, was to, make recommendations and initiate further research and development of orthotic services in these countries. Major barriers to orthotic provision indicated by respondents include:
- Lack of knowledge of health professionals
- Lack of knowledge of clients
- Government attitudes and finance
- Availability and cost of devices
- The rural nature of the countries
- Greater focus of prosthetic intervention
Recommendations that have been formed are to a large extent currently being carried out in these countries. This indicates that the programs operating at present are aware of the barriers and are attempting to overcome these. Breaking down these barriers will not occur without increased awareness, research and assistance.