Implementation of the framework for disability and rehabilitation in Gauteng, South Africa

African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Implementation of the framework for disability and rehabilitation in Gauteng, South Africa
 
Creator Hussein El Kout, Naeema A.R. Pilusa, Sonti I. Benjamin-Damons, Natalie Kagura, Juliana
 
Subject Public health; rehabilitation disability; rehabilitation; policy analysis; implementation science; FSDR; policy processes
Description Background: The Framework and Strategy for Disability and Rehabilitation (FSDR) in South Africa aims to improve rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. However, research related to its implementation process is limited.Aim: To explore the experiences of the implementation process of FSDR among stakeholders in Gauteng, South Africa.Setting: The study was conducted in 5 districts in the Gauteng Province of South Africa namely, City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, West Rand, Sedibeng, and Tshwane.Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was used, combining semi-structured interviews and focus groups with diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, rehabilitation managers and community health workers. Data were analysed thematically using MAXQDA software, with key themes mapped deductively to the stages of the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment) framework to identify key implementation steps taken.Results: Challenges to implementation including resource shortages, limited career progression, weak management communication and procedural inefficiencies were reported. Participants emphasised the need for policy adaptations reflecting field experiences and advocated for increased accountability and resources. The EPIS framework highlighted the critical role of phase-specific interventions and continuous monitoring for effective policy implementation.Conclusion: The study concludes that systemic barriers must be addressed to enhance the sustainability and impact of the FSDR policy on rehabilitation services.Contribution: Recommendations include fostering accountability, improving resource allocation and realigning policies with frontline needs to ensure long-term improvements in disability and rehabilitation services.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor South African Society of Physiotherapy, New Generation of Academics Programme, Wits University Faculty of Health Sciences Research grants (FRC)
Date 2025-09-03
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — Qualitative research
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4930
 
Source African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine; Vol 17, No 1 (2025); 9 pages 2071-2936 2071-2928
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4930/8577 https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4930/8578 https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4930/8579 https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4930/8580
 
Coverage Africa; South Africa; Gauteng; Johannesburg 2022-2024 Age, Gender, perceptions
Rights Copyright (c) 2025 Naeema A.R. Hussein El Kout, Sonti I. Pilusa, Natalie Benjamin-Damons, Juliana Kagura https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ADVERTISEMENT