Knowledge and experiences of community health workers in the delivery of physical rehabilitation services in Zambia- a qualitative interview study of trained community health workers

Abstract

Aim: To explore the knowledge and experiences of community health workers in the delivery of physical rehabilitation services in Zambia. Design: An exploratory qualitative study Setting: Lusaka district, Zambia Participants: Ten community health workers from the Zambia Enhanced Community-Based Rehabilitation Program Results: Nine major themes emerged from the data. Four of these themes (patient management, treatment programs, issuing of appropriate assistive devices through a multidisciplinary approach, and levels of care) were highlighted as the required knowledge base of community health care workers (CHWs), whereas five themes (patient assessment and treatment, home program and family education, assistive devices issuing, a well-functioning referral system, unrealistic caregiver expectations, and resource constraints) were revealed as the essential experiences of CHWs who delivered the required physical rehabilitation services. The CHWs under study experienced unrealistic expectations from caregivers, such as the high expectation that physical rehabilitation would heal a child. These expectations were complicated by a lack of understanding among the caregivers of the role and capabilities of CHWs. Moreover, constraints such as limited resources and a lack of permanent employment were perceived as major challenges. Conclusion: Trained community health workers have adequate knowledge and experience in delivering physical rehabilitation services in areas where more specialised and qualified physical rehabilitation workers do not exist. In light of the current shortage of qualified physical rehabilitation workers in Zambia, more investments are required, particularly in the training of community health care workers, to increase physical rehabilitation service coverage. . Keywords: Knowledge, experiences, community health workers, physical rehabilitation services, Zambia

RETRACTED: The Awareness Level of Stakeholders to the Community-Based Rehabilitation Programme for Inclusive Development: In the Case of the University of Gondar Community-Based Rehabilitation, Ethiopia

“…[18], Mapulanga and Dlungwane [45], and Ghosh et al [24] reported that stakeholders are more knowledgeable about disability issues, including detection, treatment, and prevention techniques. In addition, they have full awareness of issues related to the bene ciaries of CBR, the types of disabilities, identifying the core CBR stakeholders, the components of the CBR matrix, and the role of stakeholders in the CBR programme.…”