Equipment Downtime and the Absence of Standardized Practices in Ghanaian Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinics: A Narrative Report from Field Observations
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Background
Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) services are essential for restoring mobility and independence, yet in Ghana, access remains limited and inequitable. While recent advances in training and regulation have been achieved, systemic gaps in infrastructure, equipment maintenance, and standardization persist. This study explores the operational realities within Ghana’s P&O clinics to uncover the scale and impact of these challenges.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive field observation design was employed across all 14 operational P&O facilities in Ghana from January to April 2025. A multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals conducted week-long visits, using semi-structured observation tools to assess equipment functionality, the presence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and impacts on patient care and training. Data were collected through real-time handwritten notes and informal discussions, then thematically analyzed.
Results
Twelve of the 14 facilities experienced prolonged equipment downtime, with critical machines like vacuum pumps, ovens, and routers non-functional for months or years due to lack of spare parts, local technical expertise, and maintenance planning. No facility used modern technologies such as CAD/CAM. Additionally, no clinic had documented SOPs for clinical assessment, device fabrication, infection control, or follow-up care. This absence of standardization led to inconsistent service quality, compromised patient outcomes, and hindered effective student training.
Conclusion
Ghana’s P&O sector is constrained by systemic failures in equipment maintenance and procedural standardization, rooted in underfunding, lack of policy, and technical capacity. These findings mirror challenges across low-resource settings. Addressing these issues through national SOPs, local technician training, and sustainable maintenance systems is essential to improve service delivery, patient outcomes, and the professional readiness of future P&O practitioners.
