A systematic review and cross-sectional survey of rehabilitation resources for injury patients in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania

Disabil Rehabil, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2179674 · Published: March 1, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to identify and describe the rehabilitation resources available to people with injuries in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. The researchers conducted a systematic review of existing literature and a survey of rehabilitation clinics in the region. The study found a number of organizations offering rehabilitation services, but highlighted the need to connect more patients to long-term care.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

8 rehabilitation organizations

Evidence Level

Level Not specified, systematic review and cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
The systematic review identified eleven organizations offering rehabilitation services in the Kilimanjaro region.
2
The cross-sectional survey revealed that seven of the surveyed organizations provide care to patients with spinal cord injuries, short term disability, or permanent movement disorders.
3
Six of the organizations require patients to pay out-of-pocket for services, and only three accept health insurance.

Research Summary

The study systematically documents the availability of rehabilitation services in Tanzania, focusing on the Kilimanjaro region. The research highlights a potential gap between rehabilitation availability and accessibility, with financial constraints limiting access to care. The study emphasizes the need for increased awareness of rehabilitation services among both patients and physicians in the region.

Practical Implications

Address the gap in rehabilitation access.

There is a need to reduce the gap between the number of patients requiring rehabilitation and the number of patients receiving rehabilitative care, especially in LMICs.

Integrate rehabilitation into primary care.

Rehabilitation must be integrated into health systems at the primary care level to improve life-course care, treatment referrals, and quality of life among patients requiring rehabilitation services.

Raise awareness about available services.

Increase knowledge among families and health care providers on disability prognosis and management as a solution to connecting more people with disabilities to longer term rehabilitative care.

Study Limitations

1
The study may not provide a comprehensive list of all available rehabilitation resources in the Kilimanjaro region.
2
The review is limited to the Kilimanjaro region and thus does not provide a picture of rehabilitation across the whole country.
3
The survey questions may not have prompted respondents to provide detailed information about the facilities they represent.

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