Medical rehabilitation in rural Canada

Issue title: Rural Technology

Guest editors: T. Scott Smith

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sullivan, Michael J.L.

Affiliations: Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4 J1

Abstract: The present paper describes how different service delivery models have evolved in Canada to meet the medical rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities living in rural communities. This paper describes advantages and limitations of three approaches to providing rehabilitation services to rural communities: (1) referral to an urban rehabilitation institution; (2) developing community-based rehabilitation resources; and (3) establishing out-reach rehabilitation programs. The paper also addresses the need for more coordinated efforts in the development of effective strategies for rural rehabilitation service delivery. Current obstacles and future challenges are discussed within the context of rehabilitation service delivery in Canada.

Keywords: Disability, Rehabilitation, Rural, Out-reach, Canada

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1995-4106

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 35-41, 1995