Community-based Rehabilitation Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities in the Capitation area of the National Health Security Office, Region 7, Khon Kaen

Abstract

This mixed method research was conducted to create community-based
rehabilitation (CBR) guidelines for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The International Classification
of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), community-based rehabilitation approach, and
dialogues were used as strategies in the study. Twenty-four participants recruited from
Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham provinces included staff from both health and non-health
organizations working with PWDs. The study consisted of three phases: (1) situation analysis;
(2) guideline implementation and (3) evaluation and summary. Data collection was conducted
by self-administered questionnaires, seminar workshops, participatory observation and field
notes, focus group discussion, and evaluation.
The quantitative data were then analyzed using qualitative content analysis and
descriptive statistics. The results showed that after the workshop, knowledge and attitudes
toward PWDs appeared to be improved. ICF can be used to support the community-based
rehabilitation process in that the ICF is a tool for: (1) screening; (2) recruiting PWDs into the
services and evaluating functions and degree of difficulties; (3) providing help according to
PWDs’ needs and harmonizing help across different health and non-health organizations;
and (4) monitoring and evaluation.
After completing the workshop, the participants identified changes in self attitude
and applied the CBR concept when providing services for PWDs. It is recommended that
the CBR concept should be continued. The development of a CBR network is encouraged
among staff from health and non-health organizations to improve quality of life of PWDs
and their families.