JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. 2026 Jul 29;13:e84735. doi: 10.2196/84735.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Access to physical rehabilitation services, including orthotics and wheelchairs, is recognized as a fundamental human right but remains limited in many low- and middle-income countries due to resource constraints, fragmented care, and a shortage of trained rehabilitation professionals. In Cambodia, where the health system still faces challenges from past conflict, these services are delivered through a mix of government, international, and nongovernmental organizations.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the pathways to obtaining orthoses and wheelchairs in Cambodia and their impact on individuals with physical impairments.
METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore experiences and the impact of accessing physical rehabilitation and assistive products for orthosis and wheelchair users. Interviews were conducted face-to-face with translation support, audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with participants in Phnom Penh and the Kandal province in Cambodia. In total, 17 participants aged 18 to 65 years who were current or previous patients of the Exceed Worldwide physical rehabilitation center located in Phnom Penh took part in the study.
RESULTS: Three themes emerged (early experiences of illness and health care seeking, pathways to assistive products, and the impact of these assistive products). Access to orthoses and wheelchairs often involved lengthy delays and inconsistent experiences with medical care and physiotherapy. Despite these challenges, assistive products played a vital role in improving mobility, independence, and social participation, contributing to greater confidence and emotional well-being. However, issues such as poor environmental accessibility and delays in repair or replacement limited their effectiveness.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that, while assistive products offer significant benefits, they do not fully address the systemic barriers faced by people with physical disabilities in Cambodia. Persistent challenges such as stigma, environmental constraints, and emotional strain demonstrate the need for integrated policy reforms and a robust continuum of care that ensures coordinated, ongoing support across all stages of rehabilitation.
PMID:42525972 | DOI:10.2196/84735
