Telehealth for complex wheelchair assessment: A scoping review protocol of implementation in low-resource settings

Category	Detail
Condition	Wheelchair Assessment
Key Mechanisms	Telehealth delivery of wheelchair assessment services to improve access and outcomes.
Target Population	Individuals with mobility impairments requiring wheelchairs, particularly in low-resource settings.
Care Setting	Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited access to rehabilitation services.

Over 2.5 billion people globally require assistive products, with 80 million needing wheelchairs.
Access to specialized wheelchair services is limited in LMICs due to workforce shortages and infrastructure challenges.
Telehealth can enhance access to wheelchair assessments, achieving comparable outcomes to in-person evaluations.
Successful telehealth implementation requires clear protocols, clinician training, and adequate technological infrastructure.
Knowledge gaps exist regarding current telehealth practices and stakeholder experiences in wheelchair assessments.

Comprehensive assessment by trained clinicians is essential for appropriate wheelchair prescription.

Utilize telehealth to extend specialist wheelchair assessment services to underserved populations.

Integrate objective data collection tools, such as pressure-mapping technology, within telehealth platforms.

Inadequate assessments may lead to inappropriate prescriptions and increased risk of complications.

Individuals with complex mobility needs, including those with high cervical spinal cord injury and progressive neurological conditions.

Telehealth can mitigate access barriers and improve participation outcomes for wheelchair users.

Implement culturally safe, user-centered practices that support autonomy and shared decision-making.
Ensure collaborative workflows between specialist and non-specialist providers in telehealth assessments.
Address environmental and socioeconomic barriers to improve access to wheelchair services.

Clinical Scorecard: Implementing Telehealth for Comprehensive Wheelchair Evaluations: A Scoping Review Framework for Low-Resource Environments