Jamaica

Original Editor -Laurel Walters

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Patient Access to Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy Services / Entry Point

The Health Service Delivery in the public sector is provided through a network of Secondary/Tertiary Care facilities consisting of 24 hospitals including 5 specialist institutions and Primary Care facilities comprising 348 health centers, managed by the four Regional Health Authorities.

Patients are referred by their physicians  in hospital settings and private clinics. PT's do not have direct access at this time however they are part of an interdisciplinary team providing care to the patient.

Therapist Preparation

      Degree/Credentialing

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Today, ‘Physio School’, as it is commonly referred to by its students, is administered by the Faculty of Basic Medical Science at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus and offers a three-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy.

At present the minimum entry requirements are five (5) CSEC/GCE subjects including two (2) science subjects, 2 CAPE or Advanced Level science subjects, sixty (60) volunteer hours and an interview. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduation and registration with the Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) that individual is considered a Registered Physical Therapist and can practice legally in Jamaica.

Training requires the completion of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree which consists of a three year program which covers the Physiotherapy coursework followed by a 12 months internship 

     SPECIALIZATION

The University of the West Indies began offering the Master of Sports and Exercise Medicine to Physical Therapists in September 2010. Physical  Therapy disciplines practiced in Jamaica include:

Orthopedics,Pediatrics, Neurology, Geriatric, Sports Medicine, Women's Health, Ergonomics, Hydrotherapy, Cardiopulmonary, Manual Therapy

POST GRADUATE STUDIES

Physical therapists may choose to do post graduate studies in their area of choice. Some Physical Therapists in Jamaica are enrolled in, or have completed the Doctor of Physical Therapy program offered at Nova Southeastern University. The option for an academic doctorate (PhD) is also available both locally and overseas

Professional Associations

Ms. Phyllis Wilson, the first Jamaican trained in Physical Therapy, recognized the need to have a local association of physical therapists to:

• give recognition to, promote and protect the profession of Physical Therapy in Jamaica;
• standardize clinical techniques and practices so as to maintain quality control;
• achieve bargaining status.

Thus in May 1964 the JPA was formed, with an executive comprising Ms. Wilson, chairman, Ms. J. Erwin, secretary and Ms. W. Magnus, treasurer. In April 1970, the association with a local membership of nine persons was granted membership in the World Confederation for Physical Therapists (WCPT) at the international congress held in Amsterdam. The association today has a membership of 41 therapists both locally and overseas. The committees within the association such as education, fundraising, ethics and public relations work assiduously to attain a high standard of performance and representation for the profession. The JPA has furthermore been instrumental in facilitating the upgrading of the knowledge base of local therapists through organizing educational seminars relevant to physiotherapy.

Upon completion of the 12 month intership program, Physical Therapists are eligible for registration with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM). This was replaced by the Health Professions Council on April 1, 2002 At the national level, Physical Therapists are represented by the Physiotherapy Association of Jamaica.

Jamaica Physiotherapy Association

Information about the Patient Community

• What is the population these PT’s serve? PT's serve the general population from pediatrics to geriatrics
• What are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the population served? The major causes include Post- surgical orthopedics, CVA and Trauma.

Social/Cultural Influences

• What is the influence of the family on a patient's health status?
• The family is very involved in providing financial support and as caregivers. The family is also included in interdisciplinary team meetings in the rehabilitation program.
• What are the typical patient's living conditions, family dynamics, and cultural back ground?

The patients range from low income to affluent backgrounds with living conditons varying accordingly.

Delivery of Care

• Is delivery of care provided in a timely manner? 
•  Hospital inpatients and outpatients in private clinics are seen in a timely manner.  However, there is a delay for outpatients services in a the public hospital settings.
• Special methods? Home health etc

 Some therapists provide care in home settings.

Type of Health System

• Is it a national health system with universal access?

Public hospitals provide universal access, however patients may choose to seek services in private hospitals and clinics.

Payment System

• What methods to patient use to pay for service? (Insurance, bartering etc.)
  

Insurance coverage, cash payments

References

Also collected information via interviews with Physiotherapists currently practicing in Jamaica.