Introduction: Africa was noted as a challenging place for allied health care professions including occupational therapy. Those
challenges include promotion of occupational therapy and educational program.
The University ofRwanda started the occupational therapy training
program in 2014 with support of different stakeholders such as Humanity &
Inclusion (HI), Rwanda. Aim: This study aimed to explore the
contribution of different stakeholders in the development of occupational
therapy programs and impact on the profession in Rwanda. Methods: A
survey and mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approach was used.
Client satisfaction questionnaire, semi-structured self-generated
questionnaire were administered to the participants. Results: The
majority of occupational therapists were between 20 and 30 years old and only
half of the entire population were employed. Majority of the involved
Universities excellently achieved their responsibilities. However, few of them
reported to have achieved only 50% of their responsibilities. Other
contributors like lecturers reported to have excellently achieved their duties
while others reported to have achieved only 50%. Non-Governmental Organizations
reported to contribute to enough level however
there were some organizations contributed to the lowest level below 50%. The
client receiving the Occupational Therapy services showed that they are very
satisfied at the level of 73.5%, satisfied at 59% and not all satisfied at 20%. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is need for various
stakeholders’ contributions, and a need for further study to explore the impact
of occupational therapy profession in rehabilitation healthcare system of
Rwanda.
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