Establishing a pediatric occupational therapy clinic in the public-sector in Trinidad: The quest for clinical and professional expansion

BACKGROUND: Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) in Trinidad is limited to costly private sector provision, which restricts access to only those families that can afford it. Public-sector healthcare, however, is offered free of charge to citizens. Establishing public-sector OT can increase the well-being and quality of life of children with disabilities and their families, as well as broaden the professional paths available to occupational therapists. OBJECTIVE: In the absence of local studies, primary research was undertaken to demonstrate the demand for services. The results of this study will be presented to government officials to argue for the inclusion of pediatric OT into one public-sector hospital in Trinidad. METHODS: Eighty-eight parents/caregivers of a child with special needs were surveyed at one public sector-waiting room or two private-sector therapy clinics. Surveys questioned parents' desire for occupational therapy services for their child, their willingness to use public-sector-provided therapy and their belief that such therapy would benefit families in Trinidad, among other items. RESULTS: Of the 88 participants surveyed, 98.8% believed that occupational therapy offered at one public-sector clinic in Trinidad would benefit families. The main deterrents to accessing the proposed public-sector therapy included satisfaction with the current therapist (40%) and concerns with convenience (33%) and efficiency (27%). Parents whose children were not currently receiving therapy cited cost (67%) and location (38%) as the main barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Primary research findings demonstrate that the vast majority of parents/caregivers believe that public-sector pediatric occupational therapy would benefit families. Service free of charge will increase access for many families who cannot currently afford treatment. Implications of a pediatric public-sector clinic also include the expansion of occupational therapy as a profession in Trinidad.