Medical rehabilitation in Ghana.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the current system of medical rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities in a developing country (Ghana) and to identify future needs, opportunities, and barriers.


METHODS
Information was obtained through a literature review and through interviews with healthcare providers, disabled people's organizations, educators, government officials, and consumers. Direct observations were made of Ghana's capital city, Accra, and of a major tertiary medical center there, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.


RESULTS
Ghana has virtually no medical rehabilitation and few laws to protect the disabled. There are no occupational therapists or physiatrists in the entire country, and only a handful of physical therapists, prosthetists, orthotists, and speech therapists. There are many barriers to the establishment of such services, including lack of funding, limited government support, cultural stigma of the disabled and poor utilization of existing resources.


CONCLUSIONS
A national model for sustainable medical rehabilitation is needed in Ghana and likely in other similar countries.
Tinney
M J
MJ
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Chiodo
A
A
Haig
A
A
Wiredu
E
E
D001290:Attitude; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005869:Ghana; D006285:Health Planning; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000458:organization & administration*