Bridges to care: A collaborative, community-based model of rehabilitation in Dominican Republic using the World Health Organization’s framework of community engagement

Abstract

Background:. The most recent national population survey of the Dominican Republic (DR) estimated that ∼12.4% of all people in the country live with a disability. Ischemic heart disease is the number one cause of death in the DR, followed by stroke and road accidents, all of which, if survived, can cause significant suffering, disability, and need for rehabilitation. Methods:. This study describes a sustainable, culturally responsive collaboration between the local health systems of the DR and the Rehabilitation Department of a U.S. medical school. Results:. Over a period of 7 years, 855 patients were seen around 10 locations within a regional health area in teh DR. The majority of patients reported musculoskeletal pain, which reflects global health trends. Conclusion:. The described collaborative work fosters a bidirectional partnership as well as enhanced rehabilitation access in a global context.