Supplementary file 2_Pragmatic recommendations to improve access to rehabilitation robots, assistive technologies and neurorehabilitation services in Africa: proceedings from ICORR-SASNET Ghana neurorehabilitation workshop, 2024.pdf

The 2024 ICORR-SASNET Ghana Neurorehabilitation Robotics workshop, convened on March 15-16, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, brought together 22 speakers and 27 attendees from nine countries to address the pressing need for enhanced access to neurorehabilitation services and rehabilitation robotics in Africa. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) face substantial challenges in providing adequate rehabilitation services. This exacerbates the burden of disability and impedes the recovery and quality of life of individuals with stroke and other neurological conditions. The workshop aimed to: (1) discuss current trends, challenges in neurorehabilitation services and rehabilitation robotics in Africa; (2) identify gaps in access to rehabilitation services and assistive technologies in LMICs; (3) develop strategies for improving access to these services; and (4) promote collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing among health professionals and stakeholders. A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit a diverse cohort of practicing health professionals, policy makers, and a stroke survivor/advocate. The workshop featured expert presentations and discussions centered on three key questions: (1) the current status of stroke rehabilitation in Africa and driving policies, (2) the role of assistive technology and rehabilitation devices in Africa, and (3) strategies for inclusive implementation culminated into 10 targeted recommendations for integrating rehabilitation robotics into conventional therapies. A roadmap was developed, featuring future initiatives, awareness campaigns, and technology transfer programs, with a planned second workshop in 2026, aiming to enhance access and promote sustainable solutions.

2024年ICORR-SASNET加纳神经康复机器人研讨会于2024年3月15日至16日在加纳阿克拉举办，汇聚了来自9个国家的22位讲者与27名参会者，旨在应对非洲地区提升神经康复服务与康复机器人可及性的迫切需求。低收入与中等收入国家（Low- and Middle-Income Countries, LMICs）在提供充足的康复服务方面面临严峻挑战，这会加重残疾负担，阻碍脑卒中及其他神经系统疾病患者的康复进程与生活质量提升。本次研讨会旨在达成以下目标：（1）探讨非洲地区神经康复服务与康复机器人领域的当前趋势及现存挑战；（2）明确低收入与中等收入国家在康复服务及辅助技术可及性方面的缺口；（3）制定提升上述服务可及性的相关策略；（4）推动医疗专业人员与利益相关方之间的协作与知识共享。本次研讨会采用目的性抽样法，招募了涵盖在职医疗专业人员、政策制定者以及脑卒中幸存者/倡导者的多元化参会群体。研讨会设置了专家报告与专题讨论环节，围绕三大核心议题展开：（1）非洲脑卒中康复的现状与驱动政策；（2）辅助技术与康复器械在非洲的作用；（3）包容性实施策略，最终形成了10项将康复机器人整合入常规治疗方案的针对性建议。本次研讨会还制定了发展路线图，涵盖未来行动计划、科普宣传活动与技术转移项目，并计划于2026年举办第二届研讨会，旨在进一步提升服务可及性并推广可持续解决方案。