Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Study Design
Researchers conducted semistructured, face-to-face interviews with 17 adults aged 18 to 65 who were current or former patients at the Exceed Worldwide physical rehabilitation center in Phnom Penh. Participants came from Phnom Penh and Kandal province. Interviews used translation support, were audio recorded and transcribed, then examined through thematic analysis.
Routes to Care
The study identified three themes: early experiences of illness and healthcare seeking, pathways to assistive products, and their impacts. Participants described lengthy delays in obtaining orthoses and wheelchairs, alongside inconsistent experiences with medical care and physiotherapy. Cambodia’s rehabilitation services are provided through government, international and nongovernmental organizations amid broader resource and workforce constraints.
Reported Effects and Ongoing Barriers
Participants reported that orthoses and wheelchairs improved mobility, independence and social participation, and were associated with greater confidence and emotional well-being. However, poor environmental accessibility and delays in repairs or replacement reduced their effectiveness. The study also identified stigma, environmental constraints and emotional strain, concluding that assistive products alone do not resolve the systemic barriers facing people with physical disabilities.
