Canadian therapists' experiences of community-based rehabilitation services

Health policy and demographic trends have produced considerable changes to the delivery of health care in recent years. This focus group study conducted in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, involved 49 occupational therapists and physical therapists who discussed their experiences of current health services in relation to rehabilitation practice. Therapists' experiences were that regional rehabilitation service provision was variable and that there were client groups that gained from the shift to community-based rehabilitation and those that did not. Therapists reported changes to occupational therapy and physical therapy practice, including an increased focus on assessments, but fewer interventions being carried out and limited input into the provision of services to support clients in maintaining their health. The findings will be of interest to all practitioners and service providers.