RADIC Handbook - 2. Best practices
This chapter explores the successful methods and practices of Digital Rehabilitation in Sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights how organizations and professionals in the region have employed innovative technologies like mobile applications and telemedicine platforms to improve healthcare delivery and support individuals with diverse rehabilitation needs. In this chapter, we focus not only on East Africa, but also on the Sub-Saharan Africa region. As not many Digital Rehabilitation interventions have currently been introduced in Africa in general, there are few examples from countries in East Africa. In order to provide a good overview of best practices, we have extended our search radius to the Sub-Saharan region. However, the conclusions we draw from the examples can also be applied to the East Africa region with slight limitations.
In recent scholarly discourse, Digital Rehabilitation in Sub-Saharan Africa has garnered significant attention in recent research. Studies have underscored the importance of rehabilitation interventions for various health conditions in the region. For example, Maddocks et al. [1] focused on rehabilitation approaches for children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need for strategies to enhance functioning and address disability-related barriers. Similarly, Bright et al. [2] discussed the limited access to rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries, shedding light on the challenges encountered in providing such services.
Further compounding the issue, Bright et al. [2] illuminated the stark realities of limited access to rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries, including those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their work sheds light on the formidable obstacles faced in delivering adequate rehabilitation services, thus underscoring a significant gap in healthcare provision. Similarly, Lombard et al. [3] investigated the rehabilitation experiences of women post-obstetric fistula repair, emphasizing the need for effective rehabilitation and reintegration strategies, which are crucial for restoring quality of life and dignity.
Parallel to these discussions, the role of digital health interventions has increasingly been recognized as a transformative element in healthcare delivery. Mwase et al. [4] and Karamagi et al. [5] respectively examined the deployment of digital health strategies in palliative care for HIV clients and the reinforcement of health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. These studies collectively assert the transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing healthcare outcomes and system efficiencies.
Furthermore, the exploration by Nguimkeu & Okou [6] into the application of digital technologies in the informal sector highlights the broader economic implications of digital solutions, suggesting their utility extends beyond healthcare into significant economic empowerment and development within the region.
Despite these advancements, the literature reveals a notable gap: the integration of digital technologies in rehabilitation services is not extensively studied within the context of its application to a wide range of disabilities and health conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. This gap indicates a critical area for further research, where the effectiveness and scalability of Digital Rehabilitation solutions can be empirically tested and optimized for broader application across varied health scenarios in the region. This chapter seeks to provide a roadmap for enhancing both health and economic outcomes through integrated digital solutions, reflecting a holistic approach to development challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The aim of this chapter is to explain the following topics:
Summary
- Digital Rehabilitation practices has several advantages for clients, rehabilitation professionals, the society and the health care system, see for more information chapter 1. Despite these advantages, digital interventions are not yet implemented widely in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- In this chapter, we presented three best practice examples from Uganda, Zambia and Ethiopia to how Digital Rehabilitation was applied.
- In case example 1, we presented a digital intervention in Uganda for people with stroke consisted of a digital event reminder in order to increase access to rehabilitation.
- In case example 2, a digital peer support group was established for pregnant women with HIV from Zambia in order to improve therapy adherence.
- In case example 3, a digital technology was used to remind people with tuberculosis living in Ethiopia to take their medication in order to increase rehabilitation adherence and lower the costs.
- The most important key messages for the implementation of Digital Rehabilitation interventions based on all case examples are:
- Digital Rehabilitation interventions need to be carefully adapted and integrated to the local context
- Information about the benefits of the intervention should be given to the clients and family members before starting the intervention
- Improving access to digital services when integrating technologies such as computers that are already in use in certain facilities such as schools, community centers and hospitals
- Using technologies that are user-friendly and adapted to the client’s digital literacy level
- Combining digital interventions with face-to-face sessions that clients are not solely dependent on digital services
- Being aware of the effect on the client’s environment when implementing digital services
- Further research with larger samples is needed to proof the effectiveness of the Digital Rehabilitation interventions