Evidence of Community Health Workers’ delivery of Physical Rehabilitation Services in sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this scoping review was to map the evidence and scope of physical rehabilitation services delivered by Community Health Workers (CHWs) in SSA. Design: A scoping review Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central and databases within the EBSCOhost platform. We also searched other literature sources including reference lists, conference presentations and publications on organisational websites such as WHO, Ministries of Health, and Non-Governmental Organisations in SSA. Studies from January 1978 to June 2023. The screening was conducted by two reviewers and was guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of data was done Results: A total of 6996 articles were identified by our search criteria for title screening. Twenty studies met our inclusion criteria. Evidence was found in seven countries namely; South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mauritius and Namibia. Assessments, Case management and patient care, Education, Community liaison and support, Health systems linkage and administration were part of the CHWs' scope of practice. Conclusion: The review presented evidence of CHWs providing physical rehabilitation services from seven countries. The review showed assessments, case management and patient care, education, community liaison and support, health systems linkage and administration as part of the CHWs' scope of practice.