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Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the current state of Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) service delivery within the Ghana Health Service, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for improving care in low-resource settings. Conducted in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, the research employed semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including technicians and heads of department at a regional P&O center. The study aimed to assess the existence and application of standard operating procedures (SOPs), the adequacy of infrastructure and materials, and the level of professional training and capacity building among P&O service providers. The findings reveal a significant gap in standardized protocols, reliance on individual expertise for decision-making, infrastructural deficiencies, and a pressing need for professional training. The absence of SOPs and the reliance on ad hoc practices compromise the quality and consistency of P&O services, highlighting a broader issue of resource constraints in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Based on the insights gained, the study recommends the development and implementation of SOPs tailored to local contexts, investment in infrastructure and equipment, enhanced training programs for healthcare professionals, and the establishment of public-private partnerships to leverage additional resources. These steps are crucial for improving the accessibility and quality of P&O services, ultimately enhancing the well-being and social integration of individuals with disabilities in Ghana. This research contributes to the limited body of literature on rehabilitation services in LMICs and proposes actionable strategies for healthcare policy and practice improvements in Ghana, with potential applicability to similar contexts globally.

Keywords

Prosthetics Orthotics Ghana Rehabilitation Service Delivery

Article Details

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Kofi Koho, M., & Abebrese, J. . (2024). Enhancing Prosthetics and Orthotics Service Delivery in Ghana: A Call for Standardization, Capacity Building, and Systemic Reform. Convergence Chronicles, 5(2), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.53075/Ijmsirq/655464355
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