Innovative approaches to reduce the burden of unmet healthcare needs in older adults with musculoskeletal conditions: Identifying determinants and health inequities, and developing and validating a population risk tool

Project Summary

Approximately one out of every three individuals worldwide will experience a need for rehabilitation during their lifetime, and the demand for rehabilitation services is on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a call to strengthen access to rehabilitation in healthcare systems globally as a significant portion of those who necessitate rehabilitation do not have access to these essential services. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the leading cause of disability and reasons for unmet rehabilitation needs in Canada and worldwide. Unmet needs for rehabilitation and healthcare greatly affect older adults with chronic conditions and functional limitations. This research will inform prevention strategies for unmet healthcare needs through two objectives: 1) to determine the incidence and determinants of unmet healthcare needs in older Canadians (aged 45-85 years) with MSK conditions; and 2) to develop and validate a population risk tool to predict unmet healthcare needs in this population.