Assistive devices – integration into a hospital rehabilitation program

Abstract

In the People’s Republic of China, assistive devices are recognized as part of the rehabilitation process, with national policies and a network of assistive device centres in place. However, the use of assistive devices is rarely recognized by the hospital therapist as part of their role. Before OTs in China can include assistive devices in their daily work, it is necessary for both the local profession and their teachers to understand the context of rehabilitation in the Chinese hospital. Close examination of patient beliefs, health regulations, and understanding financial healthcare policies are all contributing factors. This article discusses the perspective of a Canadian therapist working with OTs in a municipal hospital of a major city in western China, attempting to introduce assistive devices into the practice of OTs, by strengthening their knowledge base, modeling various strategies of working with patients, exploring local resources, and visiting communities to understand the needs.