The perceived barriers to obtaining and providing mobility devices – public Physiotherapists, Medical Orthotist Prosthetists, and Technologists, in Windhoek, Namibia

The study aimed to explore the barriers that healthcare workers’ experience with the procurement and provision of mobility devices in state hospitals, in Windhoek, Namibia.  Recommendations to address these barriers were identified.  The study aimed to explore the barriers that healthcare workers’ experience with the procurement and provision of mobility devices in state hospitals, in Windhoek, Namibia. Recommendations to address these barriers were identified.  

Face-to-face individual in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with ten purposively selected healthcare workers.   An inductive thematic analysis of transcribed data was done.  Face-to-face individual in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with ten purposively selected healthcare workers.   An inductive thematic analysis of transcribed data was done.  Face-to-face individual in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with ten purposively selected healthcare workers.   An inductive thematic analysis of transcribed data was done.

Four themes emerged namely; (i) limited availability of resources, (ii) environmental impediments, (iii) prolonged rehabilitation process, and (iv) operational barriers.    Recommendations to overcome these barriers, included the recruitment of staff members, improved budget allocations, establishment of local manufacturing companies, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. 

There is a need for government action and stakeholder collaboration to improve the procurement and provision of assistive devices in state healthcare facilities.  The recommendations provided may assist in the development of strategies to curb the identified barriers.  Future follow-up study with a larger sample size, including all 14 administrative regions of Namibia is recommended.  

The findings are valuable to physiotherapy, as it may assist policy makers, heads of departments, and therapists with advocacy, policy, and strategic planning. The findings may encourage physiotherapists to advocate for PLWD, and raise awareness on the availability, and uses of mobility aids, among the public and medical professionals.  Adaptations to policies and procedures may be implemented to enhance the provision and acquisition of devices.