Long-term provision and follow-up of assistive technology in post-humanitarian emergency contexts: a scoping review

Access to assistive technology (AT) is critical in humanitarian settings, yet availability remains extremely limited. Despite crises becoming more frequent and protracted, little is known about the situation beyond the acute emergency phase.

This scoping review examines existing evidence on long-term AT provision and follow-up after the immediate response period. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Six databases were searched, and publications focusing on AT in post-emergency, low-and-middle-income contexts published after 2015 were eligible. Of 487 records screened, only 16 met these criteria.

A form was designed to record publication details, study characteristics and key findings. Data were interpreted using the WHO-GATE 5P framework (People, Policy, Products, Provision, Personnel).

Findings reveal a lack of systematic AT provision in post-emergency settings. Services were often ad hoc, donor-driven, and focused on one-off device distribution. Mobility devices, particularly prostheses and wheelchairs, were most frequently reported, with studies largely situated in post-earthquake or refugee contexts. Barriers including cost, limited availability, and low-awareness persisted across settings. Contextual factors strongly shaped access and effectiveness, and unmet need varied widely between populations. Fragile health systems, restrictive policies, and trained personnel shortages further undermined long-term sustainability.

This review highlights a significant evidence gap regarding long-term provision and follow-up of AT following humanitarian crises. Findings underscore the importance of context in shaping access and effectiveness during recovery, pointing to the need for integrated approaches linking humanitarian action with social protection systems to ensure sustained support and inclusion.