Assessment of Rehabilitation Services in the North Districts of West Bank in Palestine

The purpose of this study was to assess the rehabilitation services in the North districts (Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, Qalqiliya, Tubas, and Jenin) of the West Bank in Palestine. The study population consisted of (43) providers who represented the institutions providing rehabilitation services. Exploratory descriptive design utilizing a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher and reviewed by 4 advisers with a research background was utilized. The questionnaire consisted of (13) sections: The first section was related to socio demographic variables (age, gender, education and experience.) Sections two to section eight covered types of rehabilitation, quality and quantity, size of rehabilitation services, financial matters, human resources, relation with administrative system, patient referring system, cooperation and coordination, national policies and rehabilitation policies. Section nine covered priority rehabilitation needs. Section ten covered the most serious problems that restrict development of services. Section eleven and twelve covered suggestions to develop rehabilitation policies, while section thirteen covered measures to improve quality of rehabilitation services. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The analysis of the data revealed that the majority of providers of rehabilitation services were young less than 35 years (58.1%). the majority (62.8%) had a Bachelor degree; with more than 10 years of experience (53.3%). • Physiotherapy is the most rehabilitation service provided in the north districts (86%). • There is duplication in providing services by different institutions, while some services are nonexistent such as Occupational therapy. • About90.6% of providers indicated needed to develop their work force. • Results indicated weak administrative measures and lack of laws. This restricts development of rehabilitation services. • In general the majority of providers suggested that the rehabilitation policy and services should be comprehensive and nationwide. There should be social assimilation of the disabled in their society and, studying of the factors that affect policy-making in the field of rehabilitation and to support rehabilitation institutions. Accordingly, an accepted policy and protocols by different settings: UNRWA, NGO's, government, and private sectors should be targeted in order to improve the quality of rehabilitation services and to ensure a better rehabilitation and well being of the Palestinians with special needs.