Assistive devices for people affected by leprosy: underutilised facilitators of functioning?

OBJECTIVES: People affected by leprosy and their families face social and economic problems. The focus of interventions is often on prevention of disabilities and socioeconomic rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to explore to what extent the potential of assistive devices to facilitate activities and participation of people affected by leprosy has been utilised.

DESIGN: Published literature was reviewed and the findings analysed.

RESULTS: Considerable attention has been given to the protecting role of assistive devices. The focus of assistive devices facilitating functioning has been on mobility aspects of self-care and domestic life.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that the potential of assistive devices to facilitate activities and participation in life areas such as work and employment is still waiting to be utilised on a broad scale.