A scoping review of international wheelchair and seating provision, policy guidelines.

Background: For people who use wheelchairs being supplied with an appropriate wheelchair that is well fitted and well designed to maximise occupational performance and participation is a basic human right. Wheelchair provision has a huge bearing on a person’s quality of life, health and well being. Every aspect of wheelchair provision is paramount from referral to follow up, maintenance and repair. Objective: At present in Ireland there is no national policy, standards or guidelines in place for the provision of wheelchairs, making the focus of this study a high priority. The researcher is going to explore international literature on wheelchair and seating provision policy and guidelines. Method: Wheelchair provision policy guidelines were identified using databases: AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PhycINFO and Google Scholar. The search engine “Google” was used to search grey literature. The data was interpreted through a content analysis. Findings: Policy, guidelines and standards were identified in various countries throughout the world. National policy guidelines and standards are paramount to the prescription of an appropriate wheelchair. Wheelchair provision remains inconsistent, fragmented and unsustainable even though governments have taken steps to improve wheelchair and seating services. Conclusion: International, national and local policy dictates the way wheelchair and seating services are provided in ones country. Policies hugely influence the lives of all people with disabilities. The system that guides wheelchair provision in Norway is a leading example of what can be achieved through comprehensive policy, regular monitoring and most of all government commitment.