Stakeholders Contribution in the Development of Occupational Therapy Profession and Impact of the Profession in Rwanda

Abstract

Introduction: Africa was noted as a challenging place for allied health care professions including occupational therapy. Those challenges include promotion of occupational therapy and educational program. The University of Rwanda started the occupational therapy training program in 2014 with support of different stakeholders such as Humanity & Inclusion (HI), Rwanda. Aim: This study aimed to explore the contribution of different stakeholders in the development of occupational therapy programs and impact on the profession in Rwanda. Methods: A survey and mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approach was used. Client satisfaction questionnaire, semi-structured self-generated questionnaire were administered to the participants. Results: The majority of occupational therapists were between 20 and 30 years old and only half of the entire population were employed. Majority of the involved Universities excellently achieved their responsibilities. However, few of them reported to have achieved only 50% of their responsibilities. Other contributors like lecturers reported to have excellently achieved their duties while others reported to have achieved only 50%. Non-Governmental Organizations reported to contribute to enough level however there were some organizations contributed to the lowest level below 50%. The client receiving the Occupational Therapy services showed that they are very satisfied at the level of 73.5%, satisfied at 59% and not all satisfied at 20%. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is need for various stakeholders’ contributions, and a need for further study to explore the impact of occupational therapy profession in rehabilitation healthcare system of Rwanda.