Rehabilitation care coordination: Awareness, availability and frequency of referrals among rehabilitation professionals

Abstract

Care coordination across multiple settings, health care professionals and patient groups with diverse rehabilitation needs is one of the key elements of providing quality patient-centred care and services. This is particularly important when the patient require rehabilitation from multiple professionals. Efforts are ongoing in developed countries to achieve care coordination and integration. However, this is not the case in many developing countries. Evidence indicates a lack of coordination and low proportion of medical rehabilitation professionals (RPs). This study examines RPs’ awareness of the role of other RPs in rehabilitation care, their availability and frequency of referral among them in Nigeria. Using a descriptive research methodology, survey was distributed to RPs at their annual national conferences. A convenience method of distribution was utilized. Data was collected on demographics, awareness, availability of RPs and frequency of referrals. Data on facilitators and barriers to referrals were also collected. Thematic framework analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were applied to the data. All the participants ( n = 147) are aware of the role of other RPs in rehabilitation care. Data showed that 83.2% were physiotherapists while 16.8% represented all other RPs. Only 27.3% occasionally refer patients to other RPs. Moreover, 53.7% practice in the South West region of the country. The major facilitators of referrals were: Patient's condition, availability of the required RP and cost of care. Lack of access and non-availability of RPs like speech and occupational therapists were the major barriers. The study reveals the need for more RPs and rehabilitation care coordination in Nigeria. It adds to our understanding of the availability and frequency of referrals among RPs. It also contributes to the literature on rehabilitation care coordination in developing countries. The need to focus on improving patient access to RPs through more training, equitable distribution and deployment of RPs is emphasised.