Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization

traInIng I 103
For both of these approaches, preparations for training could be reduced by the development of
training packages covering the core knowledge required by referral network personnel, including
guidelines for adapting the package to include local knowledge.
4.2.2 Role of wheelchair service providers
Management
Managers require generic skills in service management, such as financial and personnel management.
These skills are not unique to wheelchair provision: management training opportunities exist in
many settings. In addition to generic management skills, wheelchair service managers require a
good overall understanding of wheelchair provision. Such an understanding will enable a manager
to support service personnel, promote the wheelchair service, and evaluate the effectiveness of
the service.
The availability of short courses for wheelchair service managers would be an asset in the
development of wheelchair services. Such training should include elements of wheelchair provision,
fundraising, development of referral networks and wheelchair service evaluation.
Clinical and technical
Trainee selection: Selection of candidates for training should be flexible and in accordance with
existing rehabilitation and health care staffing structures. Ideally, training should be accessible to
applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and not wholly dependent on formal pre-entry
qualifications. Nevertheless, for the training to be recognized, the relevant training regulations
may have to be followed.
Wherever possible, entry requirements should take into account:
• candidates’ practical, hands-on experience with users and wheelchair provision;
• any informal training they have received;
• the level of formal education they have attained; and
• their experience in the delivery of any health care service.
Given quality training and support, personnel from a range of professional/clinical/technical
backgrounds can competently carry out the duties required in providing wheelchairs to most users.
Box 4.4 describes possible candidates. It is important to note that the technical role in a wheelchair
service requires the personnel to work directly with the user. Those selected to train in the technical
field should therefore have skills in working with people as well as technical skills. All candidates
will need to be able to read and write competently in their mother tongue.
Box 4.4. Professional/clinical/technical candidates for training
n Community-based rehabilitation workers or volunteers.
n Personnel working in a wheelchair service with no previous training or academic qualifications.
n Qualified nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, prosthetists, orthotists, doctors and other health and
rehabilitation workers.
n Users interested in working with other users in a clinical role.
4