Models of Stroke Rehabilitation in Low-Resource Settings: The Ground Realities

Pragmatic stroke rehabilitation models are essential in low-resource settings due to the unique challenges these environments present. Limited access to stroke rehabilitation is a significant issue, often stemming from the shortage of trained healthcare professionals and the lack of rehabilitation facilities equipped with specialized assessment tools and therapeutic equipment. Additionally, financial constraints result in less affordable, high-quality, and long-term rehabilitation services for many stroke survivors. Geographic and locational barriers also pose substantial challenges that must be addressed to ensure optimal access to stroke rehabilitation. Cultural and social factors, coupled with low awareness of stroke prevention and rehabilitation, exacerbate the difficulties faced in these settings. This chapter delves into the range of stroke rehabilitation models that leverage available resources suitable for low-resource settings, examining their benefits and the real-world challenges and opportunities encountered in the implementation.