Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aimed to illustrate the state of stroke care and rehabilitation in the Philippines through the perspectives of local government officials, policymakers, and organisational leaders. It sought to identify challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for improving stroke policies and services across different administrative levels.MethodsMixed-methods approach involving a structured survey of 131 local government officials and in-depth interviews with eight key stakeholders. Survey participants included Department of Health (DoH) officials, local chief executives, policymakers, Local Government Unit (LGU) employees, and representatives from non-government agencies. Interviewees comprised leads and managers from the DoH and representatives from organisations including the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM), Physicians for Peace Philippines, and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). Quantitative survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative interview data were thematically analysed, then the two types of data were triangulated and organised by theme.ResultsFindings revealed significant gaps in funding, healthcare infrastructure, and policy implementation. Challenges included inadequate facilities, lack of qualified staff, financial barriers, and regional disparities in service provision. Survey and interview participants emphasised the need for increased government support, comprehensive policies, and community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes. Improving stroke survivors' quality of life was ranked as the most critical aspect of rehabilitation programmes.ConclusionsThe study highlights the critical need for more equitable and accessible stroke care and rehabilitation in the Philippines. This can be facilitated by sustained government support, inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, and the implementation of holistic, evidence-based, and cost-effective CBR initiatives.SummaryCurrent Philippines stroke policies are generic and limited to clinical careThere are challenges in implementing local policies and Universal Health CarePolicymakers are supportive of community-based rehabilitationA multi-sector, holistic, prevention- and education-focused approach is needed.

Publication Date

2025-04-21

Publication Title

Wiley Online Library

Acceptance Date

2025-04-11

Deposit Date

2025-07-08

Funding

This research was funded by the NIHR (project reference NIHR150244) using UK international development funding from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK government.

Keywords

stroke, services, Philippines

Download

Share

COinS