Barriers to and facilitators of rehabilitation services for people with physical disabilities: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundAs health care practitioners, it is important to have an understanding of the common barriers to and facilitators of the rehabilitation services we provide.ObjectivesThis article aimed to review the relevant literature regarding barriers to and facilitators of rehabilitation services for people with disabilities.MethodArticles for the period 1990–2010 using descriptors related to rehabilitation services, barriers, facilitators and the physically disabled population were retrieved for this review.ResultsA total of 19 article titles were identified from references of other articles but following application of the inclusion criteria selected for this review, only six articles were chosen. Five of these articles were qualitative studies and one was a quantitative study. Barriers and facilitators regarding rehabilitation services highlighted by participants in the studies included a perception that health professionals have a lack of understanding of rehabilitation for people with disabilities and there was a lack of information sharing from health professionals about the rehabilitation process. On the other hand some participants reported that health professionals demonstrated confidence in the disability and rehabilitation process during consultation and highlighted that their needs were met by the rehabilitation professionals.ConclusionEven though there were few studies highlighting the barriers to and facilitators of rehabilitation services, they highlighted that there are gaps in the process of rehabilitation services provided. It would be advisable for health professionals to take cognisance of the issues highlighted in this study in order to make rehabilitation services more effective.

Utilisation and Satisfaction with Health Services among Persons with Disabilities in Accra, Ghana

“…This may be attributed to the creation of awareness about disability issues and the rights of people with disability, with the coming into force of the Ghanaian Disability Law (Asante and Sesu, 2015). This supports a study by Mlenzana et al (2013) that health professionals exchanged information during consultation and care of people with disability.…”

Perceptions and satisfaction of caregivers regarding rehabilitation services from selected rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape

“…Contrary to previous studies (Kahonde et al 2010 ), the participants in this study reported a good interaction with their therapists and indicated that they received the necessary information. A review conducted by Mlenzana et al ( 2013 ) highlighted the importance of a positive caregiver-therapist relationship.…”

“…Probes were used to obtain in-depth descriptions of their perceptions and satisfaction with the services. To ensure trustworthiness (Lincoln & Guba 1985 ) in this study, the interview guide was developed after the researcher conducted a systematic review, which focused on barriers and facilitators to rehabilitation services (Mlenzana et al 2013 ). Themes that emerged from the systematic review were: financial difficulties, caregiver and therapist relationship, facility management and caregiver experience with service delivery, and were used as predetermined themes of this study.…”

“…Based on literature (Crisp 2000 ; Mlenzana et al 2013 ), it is envisaged that within the health setting, patients enter a service setting with needs, wants and expectations. The extent to which the provider fulfils them defines the degree to which the patient will be satisfied.…”

Anticipated Barriers to Implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

“…In many lower-income territories, physical rehabilitation services are in short supply (Bunning et al, 2014;Wylie et al, 2016;Agho & John, 2017;Jesus et al, 2017;Krug & Cieza, 2017). Besides, in those areas, people with disabilities typically experience more financial, transportation or attitudinal barriers to access needed healthcare than people without disabilities (Mlenzana et al, 2013;Abdi et al, 2015;Neille & Penn, 2015;van Hees et al, 2015;Ganle et al, 2016;Munthali et al, 2017;Visagie et al, 2017;Vergunst et al, 2017) , even though people with disabilities usually have higher health needs, higher risks of chronic and secondary health conditions, higher cost of living, and finally, lower earnings and lower employment rates (Mitra et al, 2009;Rimmer et al, 2011;World Health Organisation and World Bank, 2011;Gudlavalleti et al, 2014;Mitra et al, 2017).…”