Pilot Testing of the WHO Basic Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (Basic PIR): Acceptability, Appropriateness, and Feasibility Among Primary Care Workers in China, Tajikistan, and Tanzania.

IntroductionRehabilitation is essential for Universal Health Coverage, yet access remains limited in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO developed the Basic Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (Basic PIR) to address this gap through task-sharing with primary care (PC) workers. This pilot study evaluated the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the Basic PIR clinical resource in China, Tajikistan, and Tanzania.MethodsA mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used, involving 53 PC workers. Quantitative data from Likert-scale questionnaires were followed by qualitative focus group discussions.ResultsHigh median scores (4-5) across all countries indicated strong initial implementation potential within the pilot cohorts. Participants found the resource's clear visuals and simple interventions superior to existing tools. Qualitatively, the tool fostered professional empowerment, particularly among nurses. However, barriers included time constraints, resource gaps, and cultural preferences for passive treatments over active exercises.DiscussionThe Basic PIR demonstrated high implementation potential across all the pilot sites. Tanzania and Tajikistan had a near-universal agreement on its acceptability and, appropriateness. Although China showed strong feasibility, the PC workers noted cultural preferences for passive treatments and minor challenges with the Basic PIR's design.ConclusionThe Basic PIR offers a potentially viable pathway for integrating rehabilitation into PC in these settings. Successful implementation requires addressing systemic barriers and adapting to local cultural contexts to ensure long-term sustainability.