Masters Degrees (Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies) by Author "Felix, Rochelle Karen"

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    Evaluation of the functional rehabilitation outcomes of clients after receiving physical rehabilitation at TC Newman community day centre
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Felix, Rochelle Karen; Statham, S. B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Rehabilitation is an important tool in helping persons with disabilities to recover and attain functional independence as far as possible in achieving a good quality of life. However, scarce rehabilitation services and barriers may prevent full attainment of functional outcomes and impact on quality of life. Even though guidelines exist for rehabilitation services there remains a need to standardise documentation of outcomes, implementing appropriate outcomes tools and defining expectations for rehabilitation. Headcounts alone cannot fully account for rehabilitation services. The NRP echoes monitoring and evaluation of rehabilitation services, so as to measure its effectiveness and relevance. A lack of clear understanding of rehabilitation outcomes may result in it being overlooked during planning for resources. While on the other hand outcomes can be used to motivate for more rehabilitation services. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional rehabilitation outcomes of clients after receiving physical rehabilitation at TC Newman Community Day Centre. Method: Study Design: A pre-test, post-test descriptive longitudinal study using mainly quantitative methods of data collection was applied. Study setting: The research was conducted at TC Newman CDC. Study Population and Sampling method: Study participants were those presenting with one of the five most prevalent conditions at TC Newman CDC, indicated from therapist’s data working there, during 2008/2009. Pre-tests were administered to 114 participants adhering to the inclusion criteria. Only 12 participants of the 114, returned for follow up assessments. The low return rate of participants was a critical concern for the researcher, which led to the inclusion of home visits (8) and telephonic follow up (16), to increase the number of responses from the outcome measures and to determine why participants did not return for follow up appointments. Only 20 participants completed the preand post-tests. Data collection instruments: Data collection instruments used in the study, on demographics, were designed by the SANPAD research group and validated by rehabilitation experts. The study further used validated functional diagnostic specific outcome measures to answer the research question. Data collection process: Pre-tests and post-tests were administered at TC Newman CDC by a trained research assistant. The telephonic follow up and data extraction from the patient folders were done by the researcher. Home visits were administered by the research assistant, with support from the researcher. Data analysis: Quantitative data was analysed by a statistician from the University of Stellenbosch. Qualitative data obtained from the telephonic follow up was thematically analysed, to identify why clients did not return for their follow up appointments. Results: Despite the low return rate, results indicated an overall improvement in functioning, with mobility, as the one area of functioning demonstrating significant improvement after rehabilitation. Participants that returned for follow up sessions also indicated feeling better after receiving therapy. In addition to transport and income, environmental factors having the most influence on participants attendance to follow up therapy, were health systems challenges such as appointment systems, poor follow-up and inadequate documentation. Overall participants indicated they experienced their rehabilitation positively. Conclusion: Contextual factors should be taken into account when planning rehabilitation services, to ensure optimal access and the best possible outcomes for clients needing rehabilitation. Even though rehabilitation services at TC Newman CDC are available, the extent of accessibility is questionable, thus it is important to look at how rehabilitation services are delivered.