Training occupational therapy students in wheelchair service provision: Essential steps for new rehabilitation professionals (Mini-Review)

Rehabilitation professionals face challenges in delivering wheelchair services due to insufficient education of occupational therapy students and related professionals. Inadequate preparation in both technical and communication skills can negatively impact the quality of care and the psychosocial well-being of individuals with disabilities. Gaps in theoretical knowledge, professionalism, empathy, and ethical practice limit students’ clinical readiness, reducing trust between providers and service users. This review presents the World Health Organization’s (WHO) eight-step best practice framework for wheelchair service provision and examines educational strategies implemented in university programs worldwide. Data were drawn from recent studies (2021–2025) evaluating the effectiveness of occupational therapy education before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivering high-quality wheelchair services enhances mobility, independence, and quality of life. Incorporating evidence-based, personalized training programs into academic curricula can significantly strengthen care delivery and promote social inclusion for individuals with mobility impairments.