POWER Mobile Van
Assistive technologies (AT), such as prosthesis and orthosis, are crucial for improving the lives of people with disabilities. AT devices promote independence, restore function, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with physical impairments. In the Philippines, there is a growing need for these devices; however, access to equipped facilities and trained providers remains a challenge, especially at different levels of service delivery.
In response to this challenge, Physicians for Peace Philippines (PFPP) developed the POWER Mobile Van, a community-based prosthetic orthotic mobile service that provides assistive devices at the primary care level. Working in collaboration with local health governments, the POWER Mobile Van aims to increase access to rehabilitation services, particularly for underserved communities at the grassroots level.
The POWER Van: A “Clinic-on-Wheels”
The POWER Mobile Van operates as a “clinic-on-wheels,” bringing essential services directly to communities that lack access to traditional prosthetic and orthotic clinics. This mobile service delivery model eliminates barriers such as transportation costs, travel time, and distance, making essential care more accessible and convenient for those who need it most.
Comprehensive Services Tailored to Individual Needs
The POWER Mobile Van offers a comprehensive range of services, including assessment, casting, fitting, adjustment, and repair for patients requiring orthotics and/or prosthetics. Each patient receives personalized care from PFPP’s team of experts, including rehabilitation medicine physicians, certified prosthetist-orthotists (CPOs), PO technicians, and physical therapists. The van is equipped with the necessary technology and materials to ensure that each patient receives a custom-made device that meets their unique needs.
Beyond providing assistive devices, the POWER Mobile Van team emphasizes patient education. Patients receive thorough instructions on the proper use and maintenance of their devices, promoting independence and self-sufficiency. This focus on education empowers patients to actively participate in their rehabilitation and achieve a higher quality of life.
Evidence-Based Quality for Enhanced Quality of Life
In recent years, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) have shown a strong commitment to advancing the POWER Mobile Van initiative through the funding of evidence-generating studies. These studies, conducted in collaboration with local government units in Quezon City and Pasig City, have been instrumental in validating the effectiveness of the service delivery model. Moreover, these studies have shown that PO devices delivered through the POWER Mobile Van are comparable with the devices delivered through a facility.
The program’s dedication to ongoing research and continuous improvement is exemplified by its recent expansion into DOST Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) communities in Manila, with the support of DOST NCR. This commitment ensures that patients continue to receive the highest quality of prosthetic and orthotic care, tailored to their individual needs and delivered with the utmost convenience and accessibility.
Breaking Barriers, Building Inclusion
Through its innovative approach, the POWer Mobile Van not only delivers essential healthcare services but also upholds the fundamental belief that everyone from all walks of life deserves the opportunity to lead active, fulfilling lives. By breaking down barriers to essential care, the POWER van helps individuals with disabilities regain mobility, independence, and confidence, enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives and participate more fully in their communities, leaving no one behind.
Article Contributor: Bianca Frances M. Tablate, PTRP