{
  "abstract": "Background\n\nThe World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 80 million people globally require a wheelchair, yet access to appropriate wheeled mobility devices and skilled service delivery remains severely restricted, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Academic rehabilitation programs frequently lack structured, evidence-based wheelchair service provision curricula. This study evaluated the implementation, efficacy, and student perceptions of integrating the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP)-recognized Wheelchair Training Program (WTP) into Arab occupational therapy (OT) higher education.Methods\n\nA mixed-methods study design was conducted across eight Arab countries (total sample size N = 282 undergraduate OT students). Data were analyzed by categorizing participants into three distinct operational groups: Group 1 comprised participants from countries with quantitative pre-post outcome data (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates; n = 118), using a 10-point validated test adopted from the ISWP WSTP competency examination; Group 2 comprised participants engaged in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs, n = 96); and Group 3 comprised participants engaged in Semi-Structured Individual Interviews (n = 68). Qualitative investigations (Groups 2 and 3) were conducted between February and May 2025 across Oman, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Morocco.Results\n\nQuantitative evaluation in Group 1 (n = 117 matched pairs) demonstrated a significant baseline knowledge deficit (Pre-test mean = 3.71, standard deviation = 1.26) and substantial post-intervention written knowledge gain (Post-test mean = 7.84, standard deviation = 1.28; mean increase = +4.13 points, t = -36.741, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 3.40). Significant gains were consistently achieved across Saudi Arabia (4.23 ± 1.32 to 8.09 ± 1.10, p < 0.001), Jordan (2.97 ± 0.92 to 7.36 ± 1.43, p < 0.001), and the United Arab Emirates (3.82 ± 1.09 to 8.05 ± 1.20, p < 0.001). Thematic synthesis of qualitative data from Groups 2 and 3 yielded four core themes: (1) Transformation from theoretical awareness to clinical self-efficacy; (2) Overcoming regional curricular deficits in seating biomechanics and adaptive technology; (3) Culturally responsive rehabilitation and person-first terminology; and (4) Structural barriers to institutional integration and academic sustainability.Conclusions\n\nIntegrating a standardized hybrid wheelchair training program into academic OT curricula significantly enhances student theoretical knowledge and self-reported clinical confidence, offering a scalable approach to address educational gaps across the Arab region. Institutionalizing standardized ISWP/WHO-aligned modules within entry-to-practice healthcare degrees is essential to guarantee equitable, high-quality assistive technology service delivery.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Occupational Therapy Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia."
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 1,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Hassan Izzeddin Sarsak",
      "orcid": "0000-0001-6865-9010"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/6as808fewq6cv.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.2147/amep.s643413",
  "fulltext_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13695364",
  "id": "6as808fewq6cv",
  "issns": [
    "1179-7258"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42927356",
  "language": "eng",
  "licence": "CC-BY-NC",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-NC",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "3609|Occupational Therapy Practice and Research"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7223009665",
  "pdf_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13695364?pdf=render",
  "pmcid": "PMC13695364",
  "pmid": "42927356",
  "published": "2026-10-20",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/6as808fewq6cv.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:21:18Z",
      "native_id": "MED:42927356",
      "source": "europepmc",
      "url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42927356"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "journal-openalex:2739|Innovations in Medical Education",
      "subfield": "epidemiology-public-health"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Experiences and Perceptions of Arab Occupational Therapy Students Regarding Integrating Wheelchair Training into Academia.",
  "title_text": "Experiences and Perceptions of Arab Occupational Therapy Students Regarding Integrating Wheelchair Training into Academia.",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:21:18Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/6as808fewq6cv",
  "venue": "Advances in medical education and practice",
  "versions": []
}