Jamaica
Original Editor -Laurel Walters
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Patient Access to Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy Services / Entry Point[edit | edit source]
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.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
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[edit | edit source]
Degree/Credentialing[edit | edit source]
- What is the education process to become a Physiotherapist or Physical Therapist in this country?
EDUCATION/TRAINING
The program is completed at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.
Entry requirements: CXC General Proficiency Examination - Five (5) courses including Mathematics and English
Additional requirements: Any two 2 unit-Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) or two GCE Advanced Level passes from the following list of courses:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Biology
Applicants to the Physiotherapy program are further required to:
Be 18 years at the time of admission
Complete sixty (60) voluntary hours in a PT department, at least 30 of which must be in an acute general hospital.
Submit to a personal interview (1).
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 (2).
SPECIALIZATION[edit | edit source]
- Do clinicians specialise in certain areas of care and if so how?
The University of the West Indies began offering the Master of Sports and Exercise Medicine to Physical Therapists in September 2010 (2). Physical Therapy disciplines practiced in Jamaica include:
Orthopedics,Pediatrics, Neurology, Geriatric, Sports Medicine, Women's Health, Ergonomics, Hydrotherapy, Cardiopulmonary, Manual Therapy (2)
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 (2)
Professional Associations[edit | edit source]
- What are the professional associations associated with Physiotherapy or Physial Therapy in this country?
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 (2).
Information about the Patient Community[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
- What methods to patient use to pay for service? (Insurance, bartering etc.)
Insurance coverage, cash payments
References[edit | edit source]
1) www.mona.uwi.edu/admissions/programmes
2) www.healthaccessja.com
Also collected information via interviews with Physiotherapists currently practicing in Jamaica.
