Establishing an occupational therapy program for acute and chronic care in Trinidad and Tobago: a practical roadmap for implementation
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including stroke, diabetes, and cancer, are the leading contributors to disability in Trinidad and Tobago. Although early and continuous rehabilitation improves recovery and reduces long-term functional decline, national rehabilitation services remain fragmented, with minimal occupational therapy (OT) presence in acute care and inconsistent support in community settings. The absence of structured pathways from hospital to home contributes to preventable dependence, poor functional outcomes, and increased burden on families and the health system. Sankofa Rehab T&T is a culturally responsive OT initiative designed to address these gaps by integrating rehabilitation across acute and chronic care pathways. The model combines early hospital-based OT, home and community rehabilitation, caregiver education, workforce training, and digital monitoring. It aims to restore functional independence for individuals with NCDs while strengthening national rehabilitation capacity and generating actionable data to inform policy.The project uses a mixed-methods, three-phase evaluation framework: Phase One focuses on tool validation and stakeholder alignment; Phase Two examines implementation processes; and Phase Three evaluates outcomes using pre- and post-intervention measures. Quantitative indicators include reach, fidelity, functional outcomes, readmission rates, and training outputs, while qualitative data explore cultural fit, relevance, and lived experience. Anticipated impacts include earlier OT involvement, improved daily living skills, increased caregiver confidence, and reductions in preventable disability. A two-year financial and dissemination plan supports implementation, scalability, and policy translation. The Sankofa model offers a feasible, culturally grounded, and sustainable approach to embedding OT within national NCD care for the first time, addressing longstanding service gaps and advancing equitable rehabilitation access in Trinidad and Tobago.
Description
2026