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H. Angilley1
1Volunteer for PhysioNet UK, Leeds, United Kingdom
Background: Some UK charities donate redundant therapy equipment to less developed countries. The practice is controversial, with some therapists arguing that the downsides outweigh the benefits. However, the competing positions are usually justified by anecdotes. Various bodies including the WHO have produced helpful guidelines for equipment donors, but very little empirical evidence has been published on the value of the donations to recipients.
The UK charity PhysioNet began in 2005 and to date has exported 90 consignments, mainly in 60 cubic metre shipping containers. Since 2015 volunteer therapists have been checking and repairing the paediatric equipment, which tends to be the most complex of the items handled by the charity. More recently, therapists have begun to follow consignments and train recipients in the use of the equipment.
The UK charity PhysioNet began in 2005 and to date has exported 90 consignments, mainly in 60 cubic metre shipping containers. Since 2015 volunteer therapists have been checking and repairing the paediatric equipment, which tends to be the most complex of the items handled by the charity. More recently, therapists have begun to follow consignments and train recipients in the use of the equipment.
Purpose: To assess the usefulness of paediatric equipment donated to LMICs.
Methods: Data were collected using feedback forms completed by recipient organisations and by end users, covering the period 2016 to 2020.
The form completed by organisations comprised 25 questions using a mixture of 5-point Likert scale and binary (Yes/No) responses. It covered the administration of the consignment, the variety, condition and cleanliness of items, user manuals, and the use and maintenance of equipment. 7 questions included additional space for qualitative comments.
The end user form consisted of 21 questions, with 17 requiring binary responses, 2 Likert scales and 2 seeking qualitative replies. Questions on the condition, maintenance and cleanliness of equipment were similar to those for organisations, but this form focussed on the suitability and usefulness of the items for the individual recipient. Respondents were selected by the local therapists.
The form completed by organisations comprised 25 questions using a mixture of 5-point Likert scale and binary (Yes/No) responses. It covered the administration of the consignment, the variety, condition and cleanliness of items, user manuals, and the use and maintenance of equipment. 7 questions included additional space for qualitative comments.
The end user form consisted of 21 questions, with 17 requiring binary responses, 2 Likert scales and 2 seeking qualitative replies. Questions on the condition, maintenance and cleanliness of equipment were similar to those for organisations, but this form focussed on the suitability and usefulness of the items for the individual recipient. Respondents were selected by the local therapists.
Results: Results were based on 16 consignments of mainly children’s equipment, exported to 7 countries. The shipments would have contained about 5000 equipment items in total.
The survey of recipient organisations showed that 15 (94%) considered that the equipment matched their needs although some also received unwanted items. All received the equipment in very good or excellent condition. All respondents except one had adequate long term storage for the equipment. Items particularly valued were standing frames, walking aids, chairs and buggies.
Responses were received from 63 end users. 83% felt confident that they had received the right piece, and on cleanliness 75% reported it was excellent or very good. 100% of respondents were able to use the item, and 89% had been shown how to adjust it.
The survey of recipient organisations showed that 15 (94%) considered that the equipment matched their needs although some also received unwanted items. All received the equipment in very good or excellent condition. All respondents except one had adequate long term storage for the equipment. Items particularly valued were standing frames, walking aids, chairs and buggies.
Responses were received from 63 end users. 83% felt confident that they had received the right piece, and on cleanliness 75% reported it was excellent or very good. 100% of respondents were able to use the item, and 89% had been shown how to adjust it.
Conclusion(s): Most equipment was valued by both recipient organisations and end users. Items were in good working order and all recipients were able to use them. A few items were unwanted, signifying the need for closer liaison with receiving organisations.
Implications: Shipping costs are typically 5% of the purchase price of goods in the container. When taken with the results above, this implies that the activity is likely to have a good ratio of benefit to cost. However, further investigation is required, including research on the impact on quality of life. Although the results reflect largely childens equipment, the findings would be likely to apply also to donated adult equipment.
Funding, acknowledgements: This study was completed without funding and relied on volunteer support.
Keywords: Equipment, LMIC
Topic: Disability & rehabilitation
Did this work require ethics approval? No
Institution: NA
Committee: NA
Reason: Advice from a PhD researcher that it is a service evaluation. Ref: T.M. Cook
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
