WHAT SERVICES DO WHEELCHAIR USERS VALUE? FINDINGS FROM A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN KENYA AND THE PHILIPPINES
Emma Williams1, Eva Bazant1, Elizabeth Hurwitz1, Lee Kirby2, Adovich Rivera3, Immaculate Obaga1, Brenda Onguti1, Tyrone Sy3, Deepti Tanuku1, Jamie Noon4
1.Jhpiego, Baltimore, US, and Nairobi, Kenya,
2. Dalhousie University, Novia Scotia, Canada,
3.Insitute of Health Policy and Development Studies, University of Philippines, Manila, Philippines, 4.Independent Consultant
ABSTRACT
A total of 48 adult basic wheelchair users residing in Nairobi, Kenya, or Manila, Philippines, participated in in-depth interviews about their experiences receiving wheelchair services. Interview transcripts were coded using Atlas-ti for predetermined and emergent themes, using a phenomenological analysis approach. Results are presented by service step. Wheelchair users frequently described past experiences with ill-fitting wheelchairs and little formal training to use wheelchairs effectively. Through exposure to multiple wheelchairs and self-advocacy, they learned to select wheelchairs that were more suitable for their needs. Maintenance and repair services often in short supply, and this was thought to shorten the wheelchairs’ duration of use. Peer support networks emerged as an important source of knowledge, resources and emotional support. These findings can be used to refine wheelchair services in these and similar settings.