The refurbishment and redistribution of disability equipment from the UK to low- and middle-income countries: a case study focusing on 2016–2021 redistributions to Romania

Abstract

The surplus of used disability equipment contributing to waste in the UK and the lack of access to disability equipment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are two issues in need of solution. To address such problems, UK charities refurbish and redistribute used disability equipment to LMICs. To date, there is a scarcity of data on how LMICs could access surplus disability equipment from UK organisations. This study aimed to collate and map out the process by which equipment is refurbished and redistributed from the UK to LMIC’s and identify factors which influence the development and sustainability of the partnership. An explorative qualitative case study design was used. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from sender (UK) and a receiver (Romania) organisation between January-February 2022, with real-time translation where necessary. Intelligent verbatim transcription was used, and data was analysed using latent thematic analysis. The process of collection, refurbishment and redistribution of disability equipment from the UK to a LMIC organisation was mapped. Three key themes were identified from the interviews: (1) Development out of need; (2) Service development requires an adequate working relationship; (3) Process consolidation and future. Strong, honest and transparent relationships between organisations was identified as underpinning the success of the initiative. Raising service provision standards to meet specific needs of LMIC organisations supports development of suitable equipment prescription. Development of similar partnerships has potential of reducing the inequity gap and waste. Global collaboration and planning are required to address challenges of access to disability equipment in LMICs.