Community based physiotherapy services in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada

Abstract

Objectives. Community based physiotherapy services are an integral component of the recent implementation of a medical rehabilitation program in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Since the year 2000, the Inuit people of Canada’s central Arctic have had direct access to physiotherapy in their home communities. Study Design. A quantitative review of physiotherapy services from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002. Methods. Workload measurement data gathered by the physiotherapists in the field will be utilized to present information on referral sources, location of services provided, client diagnoses and average duration of treatment provided. Administrative data will provide information on staffing complements and challenges to date. The need for physiotherapy referrals out of the Kivalliq Region will be reviewed. Results. Referral sources to physiotherapy services are varied, the majority of diagnoses are musculoskeletal in nature, followed by neurological and cardiovascular. Recruitment of the physiotherapy positions has been successful to date. Referrals out of the region for physiotherapy services have been rare since community based services have begun. Conclusions. Access to physiotherapy services by the residents of the Kivalliq Region has been significantly enhanced since the implementation of the medical rehabilitation program.Keywords: Inuit, musculoskeletal, rehalibitation