Development of a community-based medical rehabilitation programme in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada

OBJECTIVE

In 2000, the University of Manitoba and the Department of Health and Social Services of Nunavut, Canada, jointly embarked upon the development of a community-based medical rehabilitation programme in the Kivalliq Region of Canada's central Arctic. Two main objectives were identified in moving forward with the implementation of a rehabilitation programme. Firstly, to conduct a region wide community needs assessment for rehabilitation services for all age groups of all residents of the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Secondly, to provide information from which a community-based rehabilitation therapy programme could be developed.

METHODS

A community needs assessment of the Kivalliq Region was carried out to guide the implementation of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology services.

RESULTS

There are now two physiotherapists, one occupational therapist, and one speech language pathologist providing rehabilitation services to the residents of the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. The results of this needs assessment, the challenges and successes of this medical rehabilitation programme are discussed.

CONCLUSION

The total population of the service area is approximately 8,000 people, the significant majority of whom self-report as Inuit, and are widely dispersed over eight communities. Despite the challenges in terms of culture, geography and recruitment of introducing a rehabilitation program in Canada's north, the residents of the Kivalliq Region now have a viable model of receiving rehabilitative intervention in their home communities.

Speech language pathology services in Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada

OBJECTIVES

To provide a review of Speech Language Pathology services in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada, since its inception. Referral sources, reasons for referral and discharge will also be shown for seven of the communities in the Kivalliq Region.

STUDY DESIGN

A quantitative and qualitative survey of the services received for the 26-month time period from January 2001 to February 28th, 2003.

METHODS

A record review of Speech Language Pathology services was conducted. Referral sources in each community, the rate of referrals, reasons for discharge and changes in abilities of three clients were examined.

RESULTS

The rate of referrals increased as the service became more familiar. Small increases in client abilities were noted over the specified time period.

CONCLUSION

Speech Language Pathology services are being utilized more effectively as the referral sources become more familiar with the program.

Community based physiotherapy services in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada

OBJECTIVES

Community based physiotherapy services are an integral component of the recent implementation of a medical rehabilitation program in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Since the year 2000, the Inuit people of Canada's central Arctic have had direct access to physiotherapy in their home communities.

STUDY DESIGN

A quantitative review of physiotherapy services from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002.

METHODS

Workload measurement data gathered by the physiotherapists in the field will be utilized to present information on referral sources, location of services provided, client diagnoses and average duration of treatment provided. Administrative data will provide information on staffing complements and challenges to date. The need for physiotherapy referrals out of the Kivalliq Region will be reviewed.

RESULTS

Referral sources to physiotherapy services are varied, the majority of diagnoses are musculoskeletal in nature, followed by neurological and cardiovascular. Recruitment of the physiotherapy positions has been successful to date. Referrals out of the region for physiotherapy services have been rare since community based services have begun.

CONCLUSIONS

Access to physiotherapy services by the residents of the Kivalliq Region has been significantly enhanced since the implementation of the medical rehabilitation program.