Introduction:
Occupational therapy(OT) practice within rural regions in China is limited given geographical barriers and shortage of trained therapists. Addressing rehabilitation services’ low accessibility in rural areas, WeCareWeShare, an innovative community rehabilitation initiative led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University OT students and teachers, leverages innovative service model with tele-rehabilitation and assistive technology(AT) to expand accessible service delivery networks and advocate disability rights for the underprivileged.
Objectives:
This study evaluates outcome of innovative transdisciplinary service model in its impact on patients’ rehabilitation outcomes, accessible-rehabilitation-service advocacy and provision for people with disabilities in underserved regions.
Approach:
Mixed-method approach was adopted. For quantitative analysis, pre-and post-surveys with Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to measure functional outcomes were utilized. As for qualitative inspection, focus group interviews with local healthcare professionals and political stakeholders to assess health equity advocacy were involved.
Implications:
Finding demonstrates significant improvement in patients’ functioning outcome upon real-time feedbacks and AT tools(3D-printing and augmentative and alternative communication technology). This success highlights tele-rehabilitation with affordable AT being effective and sustainable medium for expanding OT networks in rural areas. Thematic analysis reveals global innovative transdisciplinary collaboration enabled by hybrid medium has fostered community-based health participation in rural communities across cultural regions with key themes including disability rights advocacy and awareness, and supportive policy in rehabilitation accessibility.
Significance to OT Profession:
WeCare WeShare initiative demonstrates transformative potential of innovative OT service model, shifting from center-based to community-based in addressing rural inequities. It highlights OT’s leadership in transdisciplinary partnerships and technology to advance community-driven rehabilitation and global health equity. Scalable model realises WFOT vision of inclusive rehabilitation — equitible access through widespread OT distribution.