Patterns and unmet needs in wheelchair utilization: A mixed-method study of user experience at a tertiary hospital in India

Background and Aim: The study investigated the present state of awareness, unmet needs, and barriers faced by participants using wheelchairs in a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods: This sequential explanatory mixed-method study explored the participants' experiences in two parts. Part one presents the result analysis of user experience and wheelchair service provision using rATA (n=100). Part two presents a thematic analysis of 100 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Result: The study and interviews define barriers to wheelchair access provision, including assessment, prescription, customization, training, wheelchair maintenance, and follow-up. The study reported that most participants procured their wheelchairs from the private sector (35%) while 10% received them from the public sector. The main reasons for not having the appropriate wheelchair were affordability (78%), lack of support (64%), and lack of awareness (41%), while road/transport accessibility (63%) and home accessibility (53%) were the main obstacles for the wheelchair non-use. Conclusion: The study provided insights into wheelchair provision and user satisfaction within healthcare delivery system. Integration of Wheelchair service and delivery into the health care system can strengthen the rehabilitation health system per the WHO guidelines.