Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives on the Provision of Rehabilitation Following Road Traffic Injuries in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In Saudi Arabia, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a major cause of injuries, deaths and disability. To reduce levels of disability associated with road traffic injuries (RTIs), rehabilitation is crucial. However, limited information is available regarding rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia, particularly the role of occupational therapy following RTIs. This paper explores occupational therapists’ perspectives on Saudi Arabian rehabilitation services. This descriptive qualitative study included semi-structured interviews with 13 occupational therapists working in rehabilitation settings in Saudi Arabia. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to identify themes related to their experiences and the potential for improved rehabilitation guidelines and practices. Five themes were identified. (i) Accessibility to rehabilitation following RTI was impacted by geographical location, high service demands, social support and financial issues. (ii) Pathway to rehabilitation following RTI varied, typically physician-led, with multi-disciplinary teams in rehabilitation services. (iii) Occupational therapy role in rehabilitation is perceived as poorly understood by others. (iv) Limitation to current rehabilitation services includes few highly experienced therapists, challenges to individualised care, and underdeveloped community reintegration. (v) Research is needed for better rehabilitation services through understanding people’s experiences and perspectives to improve rehabilitation services. Overall, occupational therapists highlighted that the limited number of well-established rehabilitation facilities, mostly located in the central region of Saudi Arabia, negatively impact service provision and functional outcomes. Effective utilisation of occupational therapists’ insights into the challenges of rehabilitating individuals after RTIs could improve the implementation, operation, governance, and investment in rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia.