Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is one of the top causes of disability in the younger population in low-to-middle income countries. However, traumatic brain injuries survivors few receive rehabilitation services in these areas.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the provision of rehabilitation for patients with traumatic brain injury from the perspectives of occupational therapists in public health care facilities in Gauteng, South Africa. The study further sought to report on the perceived strategies that would strengthen occupational therapy service delivery.
Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was used in this study. A total of 16 occupational therapists were in four focus groups either face-to-face or on an online platform. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the raw data.
Results: There were three themes that emerged from the study; “Not a recipe”; “Toolbox”, and “Lost in the cracks”. These themes highlighted the various aspects affecting rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injury. Strategies to overcome barriers to rehabilitation were identified to improve service delivery to patients with traumatic brain injury including training programmes, clinical protocol development and interest groups, admission requirement changes, prevention and promotion campaigns, and establishing referral pathways.
Conclusion: Rehabilitation services should be accessible to all citizens to achieve universal health coverage. There are factors that both enhance and hinder service delivery for patients with traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Addressing strategies to improve service delivery is feasible with the action of occupational therapists with a special interest in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.